In recent years, Nepal has faced a barrage of environmental crises, from mountain collapses to landslides, storms, earthquakes, floods, and now, unprecedented volcanic eruptions. The nation’s vulnerability is exacerbated by its location in the southern region of the Himalayas, making it prone to natural disasters such as river system fluctuations and monsoon rains. The alarming annual rate of mountain decline, ranging from 0.3 to 1 percent, poses a severe threat to the country. Local settlements, especially in the Jaryak Himalayas, grapple with the consequences of landslides and glacial erosion, leading to loss of life, property, agricultural setbacks, flood shortages, and heightened earthquake risks. An estimated 80% of the population is considered vulnerable to such disasters.
Environmental Impact on Health and Economy: The repercussions of climate change are not limited to environmental disasters. Nepal is witnessing a surge in the frequency of diseases attributed to climate change. Despite various protection and prevention efforts at governmental, non-governmental, and community levels, diseases like parasitic hepatitis, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, dysentery, respiratory infections, jaundice, and typhoid are on the rise. A chronic, high-risk, integrated illness profile has emerged, placing an immense burden on the healthcare system.
International Frameworks and National Initiatives: Nepal has actively engaged with international frameworks to address the social and economic impacts of climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement have played crucial roles in guiding the country’s strategies. At the national level, the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), the National Action Plan (NAP 2021–2050), and the Disaster Risk and Management Act (2017) underscore the prioritization of climate-related challenges. The Climate Change Coordination Committee, environmental protection, and climate change management initiatives contribute to Nepal’s efforts in minimizing climate-induced difficulties.
Workshop on Climate Change Effects: To shed light on the pressing issues Nepal faces, a workshop will be conducted. This platform aims to gather insights from professionals, healthcare workers, academics, and stakeholders regarding the impacts of climate change on health and the economy. The focus will be on generating innovative solutions for sustainability, prevention, and adaptation. The workshop seeks to catalyze collaboration and prompt a collective response to the challenges posed by climate change in Nepal.
