Interactive Session on “Global Climate Politics and Nepal”
- By : resourceshimalaya.org
- September 6, 2022
Resources Himalaya Foundation (RHF) successively organized an interactive session on “Global Climate Politics and Nepal”on September 02, 2022 in collaboration with Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ).The program was organized at Dr. Pralad Yonzon Conservation Chautari which was led by Mr. Navin Singh Khadka, Global Environment Correspondent, and BBC World Service and was followed by the remarks by the experts Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, (Professor of Glaciology at Kathmandu University), Dr. Shobha Poudel (Scientist at Policy Research Institute), Mr. Manjeet Dhakal (Head of LDC Support Team and Director of Climate Analytics South Asia Office), Dr. Dinesh Raj Bhuju (Board Secretary at Resources Himalaya Foundation) and Dr. Dinesh Neupane(Executive Director at RHF).The session was chaired by Mr. Rajan Pokharel (President of Nepal Forum of Science Journalists).
With the welcoming note and the general outline of the session by Mr. Govinda Pokharel, the session moved towards the presentation by Mr. Khadka. He presented on the situation of various climate change agendas which have been discussed in international forums such as Paris Agreement, Conference of Parties (COP), G20 meeting in Rome and gave a critical review on them. With his experience as an international correspondent in the field of environment, Mr. Khadka raised the issue of international climate politics which is prevalent in energy and fossil fuel consumption pattern of various developed as well as developing countries. Additionally, since there is no visible positive outcome from the much discussed issue of climate change, he expressed his concern over the possible future consequences due to the degree of neglect that biodiversity is bearing. The combined impacts could be much worse than what is being observed today. He concluded the presentation by emphasizing that “mitigation is the key but adaptation is equally, if not, more important for vulnerable country like Nepal”. The presentation was followed by the interactive discussion session with the audience. After the discussion session, the invited experts gave their remarks. Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha talked about the importance of research in glaciological region and pointed the need for expansion of meteorological stations in high altitude region for a more scientific basis to act on the issue of climate change. Dr. Shobha Paudel highlighted that countries like Nepal need to take advantages from these global agendas like carbon trading and carbon financing. She also emphasized about the climate smart agriculture and the need to improve the climate related policies in Nepal. Mr. Manjeet Dhakal remarked that these global agendas are helpful for the small countries like Nepal to address other developed countries to take action on climate change as they provide a global platform. He further stated that net emission reduction is the key for all countries to reduce the impact of climate change, but in the present context, adaptation is also equally important. Similarly, Dr. Dinesh Raj Bhuju mentioned that while talking about climate change, mountains should be prioritized. Therefore, mountainous countries like Nepal should make a clear agenda and present it in the international platform when they have the opportunity. Lastly,Dr. Dinesh Neupane remarked that when there is an international forum like COP, the delegates representing the country, especially least developed ones like Nepal, should be able to present the issues of climate change in a clear manner. Additionally, he mentioned that in order to aware and has a scientifically sound community, climate related research and policies should be communicated properly with the journalists who are the channel between the people and the researchers. Finally, the session ended with the concluding remarks by Mr. Rajan Pokharel.
