Ljubljana:Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that countries with minimal contributions to global warming should not endure its harshest impacts.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Shah stressed that for Nepal, climate justice is a reality involving rebuilding communities after floods and confronting climate disasters. He argued that nations historically responsible for pollution should accept greater responsibility for climate change consequences.
Shah highlighted the need for a shared response to climate change, proposing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism involving Nepal, India, and China to address climate risks collectively. He suggested sharing satellite data, monitoring glacial lakes, and coordinating disaster responses to prevent isolated national efforts.
The recent Bhotekoshi flood underscored the shared nature of climate disasters, as it caused destruction across China and Nepal, affecting people irrespective of nationality. Shah’s address also challenged the perception of Nepal as merely a victim, emphasizing its ecological contributions to the global environment.
He criticized the bureaucratic hurdles faced by vulnerable countries in accessing climate finance, arguing that those providing ecological services should not struggle to obtain support after climate disasters. Shah’s address followed UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres’ acknowledgment of the severe impact of climate change on Nepal.
Shah reiterated Nepal’s long-standing call for climate justice, questioning why a country with negligible emissions should bear significant consequences. He argued for recognition of responsibility proportional to contributions to the climate crisis, urging international cooperation to protect the Himalayas.