Kathmandu: Climate advocates and experts have emphasized the importance of expanding inter-country collaboration to mitigate risks and potential loss and damage, which are increasing in the glacial watershed areas. At an interaction organized by the Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists (NEFEJ), experts stressed that a cross-border early warning system is essential to lessen the risk and damage brought about by the climate crisis.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the lack of inter-country information sharing and inter-agency coordination has augmented the loss of lives and properties due to climate change-induced disasters. On this occasion, Qianggong Zhang, Head of the Climate and Environment Risks Unit at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlighted the need for research and study to prepare a foundation for addressing climatic incidents.
Zhang further stated that mountainous countries can benefit if developed countries transfer technology and knowledge to the Least Developed Countries. Climate expert Dr. Dharma Uprety noted that Nepal alone cannot avert the problems resulting from the rise in multiple disaster incidents, emphasizing that inter-country collaboration is essential.
Dr. Uprety also mentioned that the climatic incidents occurring in India and China could serve as lessons for Nepal, warning of increased incidents of loss and damage due to temperature rise in the mountainous region. Glacial flood researcher Shree Kamal Dwibedi stressed that Nepal should enhance its capacity to reduce climate risk incidents and pointed out the need for expanded studies on glacial flood incidents, as glacial outbursts are not the sole cause.
Advocating for the establishment of a special agency to address climate change-induced multiple hazards and reduce loss, Dwibedi stated that development projects in Nepal are being affected due to the absence of loss assessment caused by glacial floods. Reena Chaudhary, Environment Inspector of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), shared that the Authority is making efforts to reduce risks and facilitate post-incident situations.
Former Chair of NEFEJ Kosmos Biswokarma and environment expert Dr. Binod Bhatta recommended timely training, workshops, and orientation for journalists and media to help mitigate hazards.