Submit your Article

COP26 in Glasgow 2021 concluded with heavy climate negotiations tabled between the high and low carbon emitters across the globe. As a member country, Nepal presented its second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) initiating its strong move for climate action. While the country managed to come up with an enhanced NDC, a massive challenge still remains: turning promises into action. The road to implementing effective climate actions seems difficult with local elections around the corner. However, climate youth coalitions in the country believe they could have significant participation to bridge the divide in localizing climate policy targets in partnership with local representatives.

The newly elected 753 local representatives will work under a five-year term. By the end of their term in 2027, many of the policy targets of National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and NDC should fall to places with an achievement goal of 2030. Henceforth, the election will lay a foundation for planning and implementing the climate policy targets.

“This moment serves a motive to imprint the importance of climate action for vulnerable countries like Nepal. But we need adequate economic and skilled human resources to achieve tangible outcomes," says Umesh Balal Magar, network coordinator at Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA).

Ever since the climate emergency was declared, young people’s rights and roles have been questioned and reassessed. Their participation in the Glasgow summit helped pave the way for inclusive policymaking and initiating immediate actions to tackle the crises, even though the youths left the summit disappointed. Their voices at the decision-making level are not heard and they are resorting to street demonstrations.

  "The government should provide spaces for youths in discussions, but our voices are unheard and we are forced to come out in the streets,” says Binod Deuba, co-founder of Harin Nepal and a member of Youth Congress Nepal.

To ensure youth participation in climate action, Deuba and his team are running Climate Literacy Campaign to raise awareness on the issue.The challenge faced by youth climate activists in Far-west Nepal is huge. Difficult geographical terrains with poor motorable road access make reaching the climate-vulnerable areas hard. “Even if we reach these communities, there is a language and awareness gap. They are unable to respond and adapt to climate change,” says Azeena Adhikari, an agriculture student and network coordinator of NYCA, Baitadi.

Nepal has committed to maintaining 45 percent forest cover by 2030 and pledged to go net-zero by 2045. However, there are stumbling blocks. Climate activist from Kanchanpur Sujit Ramesh believes these blocks could be minimized by half if concerned authorities strictly followed the law.

“Many projects in the Far-west are run without conducting EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment). The budgets allocated for adaptation and mitigation purposes either freeze or are used in other projects,” he says.

It is also high time that Nepal started addressing the glaring gaps in youth engagement in climate action.

Prakriti Koirala, a member at the Department of Forest and Environment of CPN (Maoist Center) witnessed this gap while at COP26 summit. She shared that her young contemporaries from other countries were on the frontlines of negotiation. “It is not only about youth’s representation or letting them speak their mind, but also about grooming them for the negotiation table. Making preparations only before COP summits will not suffice,” she says

Active youth participation and engagement is imperative for effective climate action. Promoting intersectionality is also important for generating diverse marginalized voices from remote, intersectional and indigenous communities.

Young people across the globe are calling out for climate action and Nepal is on the same page.  “The response from Nepali youths on bringing about policy reforms on climate issues are overwhelming. The next step is to capacitate them and develop their skills,” says Sushmita Mishra of Central and South Asia for Water and Climate Coalition.

By 2025, the government also aims to mobilize 2,000 climate change adaptation resource persons locally. Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA), which is to be implemented by 2030, is considered a primary medium to connect to all the local units. This is where the role of young climate enthusiasts and youth coalitions comes into play. Youth representatives from all local levels could be mobilized as resource persons to encourage their participation while ensuring that their needs are addressed.

Radha Wagle, chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, emphasizes youth’s role in effective planning and policy enforcement.

“This need has been further intensified by the upcoming election. We are seeking to engage youths as resource persons in a more strategic manner. The initial plan is to develop a youth engagement strategy coordinating with youth organizations and coalitions across the country,” she says.

The Himalayan region has witnessed a series of major disasters over the past decade: the 2013 Kedarnath floods, the 2014 and 2021 Nepal landslides, and the 2020 Eastern Himalayan and Uttarakhand floods. Although disasters are not new to South Asia in general and the Himalayas in particular, the frequency, severity, and loss of humans and public property have been phenomenally more than in previous decades. In this context, the IPCC’s sixth assessment report is an eye-opener. The average temperature of the Himalayas mountain range is expected to increase up to 2°C by 2050. This will increase disaster-frequency and imperil food and water security. Climate change impact on cryospheric water sources in the Himalayas will have consequences for the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra basins. Given the centrality of the Himalayas in the global weather system, its costs will be felt across the globe.    

The sixth IPCC assessment report on climate change (CC), published in February 2022, has urged immediate actions against rising global temperatures. While previous reports were mostly warnings to the global community to prevent CC impacts, this one emphasizes the urgency of actions to avoid catastrophic disasters. It also highlights the vulnerability of the poorest countries, islands, and mountainous regions. For the first time, the IPCC acknowledges climate change-induced migration, including in South Asia, with evidence. This 3,760-page report prepared using thousands of scientific reports and studies on climate change has analyzed impacts of climate change both regionally and on a thematic basis like snow-fed water, precipitation, migration, food, livelihood, etc.

South Asia

Like the previous reports, this report identifies South Asia as one of the vulnerable regions in the world given its topographical structure, population density, and poor socio-economic profile. Climate-induced hydrological changes are projected to spur migration. There is already evidence of increase in frequency, intensity, and severity of floods, cyclones, droughts, landslides, and heatwaves in the region, leading to climate-induced internal migration in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. 

As the global temperature continues to increase, the region may witness increased risks to food security due to low levels of adaptation. Food security risks due to climate change will be more severe, leading to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in South Asia. 

Moreover, an increase in the number of disasters is expected to push 122 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030. Around 330-396 million could be exposed to lower agricultural yields at warming beyond 1.5°C—and most of them will be in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Himalayas

Apart from the coastal regions of India and Bangladesh, the Himalayas are identified as most sensitive to climate change in South Asia. The report refers to the entire Himalayas as the Hindukush Himalayas (HKH) region. The Himalayas are considered the third pole or the water tower of Asia due to their abundant freshwater sources. Referring to some studies on water availability in mainland South Asia, the report says decreasing precipitation have contributed to increasing incidents and severity of droughts. Water-stress is relatively higher in the western compared to the central and eastern region Himalayan regions.

There could be more flood events in the Ganges-Brahmaputra region. Floods and extreme events can change river channel systems and exacerbate transboundary conflicts. For instance, the floods on the Indus in July 2010 altered the river’s course in Pakistan, moving it closer to the Indian district of Kutch. The Koshi River has shifted more than 113 km to the west in the past two centuries.

Livestock could be affected by climate change-induced heat stress and reduced water availability through the degradation of rangelands, pastures and forests. The report says glacier retreat and increasing runoff variability could affect cultural beliefs and practices in high mountain areas. For example, the loss of glaciers threatens the ethnic identity of the Indigenous Manangi community of Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area.

Most importantly, the report points to rapid urbanization in the Himalayan region especially in Nepal due to internal migration from high altitudes to the mid-hills and Tarai. Quoting a study, the report says 39 percent rural communities have at least one migrant, of whom 80 percent are internal and 20 percent international. Around 10 percent migration is reported as environmental displacement. While earlier reports found women were worst affected by climate change, this one says most migrants are males. Growing urbanization in the Himalayas generates many challenges, especially in climate-change adaptation.

As reported in some Nepali media outlets, over the past decade, hundreds of people in Mustang, Manang, Bajhang, Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts have been relocated due to landslides, floods, drying up of streams, and decreased water-flow. An independent study found that close to 15 percent of the springs in Mustang and Manang have dried up, and water flow has declined by up to 70 percent in other places of Nepal. There are also reports of vector borne diseases (VBDs) in high latitude regions of Nepal like Kalikot, Mugu, Jajarkot, Humla, Jumla, and Salyan districts. Warmer temperatures will only exacerbate the VBDs.

Conclusion

Climate change risks are imminent in the Himalayan region. Both individual states and HKH member countries as a whole have failed to adapt. Except for China and India, other countries that share topography with the Himalayas, struggle to implement resilient and adaptation programs due to insufficient funds and technology. Developed countries responsible for the current crisis ignore the concerns of these countries. Moreover, the developed countries have also avoided their commitment (for instance, to mobilize $100 billion a year from 2020, as per the 2015 Paris Agreement) to mitigate climate change impacts in developing countries.

Protection and preservation of the Himalayan biodiversity and ecology is not just the responsibility of Nepal and Bhutan. These are global ecological heritage. Millions of people in Asia directly benefit from Himalayan resources; millions more do so indirectly. Therefore, instead of waiting for the developed countries’ support, it is the responsibility of the Asian countries to act to protect the Himalayas.

Already, back in October 2020, eight HKH countries declared an ‘Action to sustain mountain environments and improve livelihoods in the Hindu Kush Himalaya’. But there has been little progress perhaps due to Covid-19 and differences between member countries. Collective actions need to be expedited by keeping aside bilateral differences on the geopolitical front.

“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” – Gautam Buddha

My cell phone rang. A biker friend was calling to tell me they were staging a race, and he asked me to participate. When I learned it was an uphill climb, I gave it my thumbs down. Riding uphill is not my forte, let alone race. I did the last contest in Tansen five years ago—a cross-country race. I was 64 then.

The biker friend, Rakesh Manandhar, aka Mtb Rocky, would not take no for an answer. He said the race included a category that fit me like a glove—the ‘Senior’ (60-plus).

I knew Rakesh when I was a rookie, 13 years ago. Well, I could not turn a good friend down, could I? I fell for it and signed up against my better judgment. Maybe one last time, I reminded myself. Slated for 8 Jan 2022, the Tarebhir Trek Uphill Challenge was a 3.56 km brutal climb.

The big day arrived with the flag-off at Deuwa Chok, Budhanilkantha. By the time I arrived at the venue, four kilometers from my house, I was short of breath—and a nervous wreck when I gawked at Tarebhir towering above me. Raju, my cycling mate, only 34, on the other hand, was bursting with excitement: this was his first-ever race.

The turnout was unbelievable—the place crawled with riders dressed to the occasion in their snazzy helmets and colorful outfits. The lineup of mountain bikes was staggering, too—from entry-level to futuristic bikes.

I learned 130-plus racers were competing—mind-boggling! As I took stock of the milieu, my eyes fell on small kids who looked no older than eight—and vying, too. There were women, young and old alike. Surprise, surprise—a couple of them looked in their fifties.

Raju fell in the ‘Master’ category. The organizers had taken in multiple age groups, from juniors, elite, masters to grandmasters to seniors. The whistle sounded for the women’s lineup (six to eight racers at a time); I picked out Laxmi Magar, the seven-time national cross-country champion. We have known each other for 10 years now, following several races I did with her.

The race kicked off, with Prayash Tamang, CEO of Kathmandu Bike Station, logging every contestant’s time. And the first batch of the riders tore up the steep track amid boisterous cheering and clapping.

Then came my turn. Seven other riders flanked me, Raju included. I felt jumpy as the countdown began. I realized I was attempting to move a mountain—fat chance.

By the time I cleared the first 500m, I had done great, even rode past a few riders. Good job, I said to myself and patted myself on the back. The joy was short-lived, though, as the climb got steeper and every rider appeared to pull ahead of me.

The unrelenting climb appeared vertical. I dismounted several times, gasped for air, sipped from my bottle, and pushed my bike. No respite, though; every second counted. I was still unconvinced if I could make it to the finish line.

I ran into some riders who hurtled down the slope, after having completed the race. How far to the finish? I asked one of them as I fought for breath. Halfway came the reply; my heart sank. Did I imagine the incline got steeper as the dirt track wound uphill? It appeared so. Suddenly, a rider swished past me. Man-oh-man, he was just a kid!

As I pushed on, riding and walking, I almost felt I was in a stupor, my legs hurt, and I feared my knees might buckle. In all honesty, I was at the end of my rope. As more riders came shredding down, the thought I’d barely made it half the distance seemed to further fuel my misery. I saw some riders idling by the track; they had quit. I kept on stoically, though. I would complete the race if it were the last thing I would do, I muttered to myself.

And, before I knew it, after tackling a gnarly climb, I spotted a large crowd at the crest. The Finish Line at long last! I’d made it. Unawares, I had an epiphany—I’d rediscovered myself—my strength, grit, confidence, and self-esteem.

I remember the pride I felt when I became the first British woman ambassador to Nepal in 2019. The leadership at the British Embassy, which had always been men, was changing. When I went to present my credentials to the President, as every new ambassador must do, I felt proud as I stood in front of the first female President this country has ever appointed. I sensed a connection between us—a mutual recognition perhaps of each other’s achievements.

The Head of State may be largely a ceremonial post in Nepal, but I know the election of Bidya Devi Bhandari as the country's first woman President has inspired many Nepali women to dream bigger and aim higher. It has cemented the idea that Nepali women are equal to Nepali men, in principle and in practice.

Two years before I arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal had achieved an even more remarkable milestone of gender equality in political participation. The country had successfully held the first elections to the three spheres of government under its new constitution and women had been elected to at least 33 percent leadership positions in federal, provincial and local governments.

Today, 112 (33.53 percent) of the total 334 members of Nepal’s federal parliament are women. Critics may dismiss this achievement, arguing that the percentage of female members of parliament is low compared to the population. That’s true, and there’s a long way to go. But it’s also true that female representation in Nepal is comparable to the UK’s parliament, well above the global average of under 24 percent, and even more remarkable when set against the South Asian average of less than 18 percent.

Nepali women have taken one third of the legislative seats at the provincial level as well. Of the 555 members of the state assemblies across seven provinces, almost one-third (181) are women. They are making valuable and dynamic contributions to strengthening the foundations of federalism.

At the local level, women’s political participation is even more encouraging. Of the 35,000 local elected representatives, over 14,000 (nearly 41 percent) are women. As mayors, deputy mayors, ward chairs and ward committee members, they are making local laws and policies, and delivering public service at the grassroots level.

However, these impressive numbers of Nepali women leaders belie a complex issue of gender inequality. Most women remain subordinate to male leadership. Ninety-one percent of Nepal’s deputy mayors and rural municipality deputy chiefs are women. But how many women are mayors and rural municipality chiefs? Only two percent. How many women are ward chairs? Just one percent.

Another example: only six of the 165 directly elected members of the House of Representatives are women. The other 84 women were nominated through the reserved quotas. What do these numbers tell us? That very few women leaders were given party tickets to fight direct elections. Did the party leadership not believe in women’s leadership abilities to build their own constituencies and win elections?

I believe women should be present at all levels of leadership. Evidence suggests that where women are more active in leadership positions, civil participation is higher, corruption is lower, services are better, politics is less combative and more inclusive, and stability is higher. Inclusive and balanced representation helps everyone to grow and exercise their human rights.

I have met and exchanged views with many women leaders in and outside Kathmandu over the last two years. They may represent opposing political views, but they share a common challenge: women have been sidelined to deputy positions and reserved quotas despite their enormous contributions to public service.

Despite the barriers that still face women in Nepal, I am optimistic that more women will reach leadership positions when Nepal holds local elections on May 13 this year, and for good reason.

Firstly, women deputy mayors and ward committee members now have years of experience running local governments. They are eager to stand for higher positions and are committed to doing better for their communities.

Secondly, local women representatives have earned the trust of their constituencies and are now in stronger positions to win elections.

And thirdly, I have found Nepal's political leadership increasingly progressive and willing to increase women’s political participation. In recent years, they have backed women as head of state, speaker, deputy speaker, chief minister and cabinet ministers, which shows that the door is open to more women in leadership positions.

In the lead up to the local elections, I want to call on Nepal's political leaders to put in more effort toward creating an environment that improves women’s chances of reaching leadership positions. The first step is to field more female candidates for mayor, rural municipality chief and ward chair. 

The UK is a strong supporter of women’s rights and leadership. Increasing women's political participation is one of the key pillars of our strategic vision for gender equality. That is because it is not only right that women should be given the chance to lead, but it’s essential. Nepal’s own ambitions to reach middle income by 2030 and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals depend on having more women in political leadership positions. We have been supporting Nepal to increase political participation of women for many years, and we will be providing more support in the years to come. The UK’s support to girls’ education, women’s economic empowerment, and security and justice for women in Nepal, underpin and support our efforts to increase women’s political participation.

It is in this same spirit that I have been joined by seven other women ambassadors and heads of agencies based in Kathmandu for our leadership mentoring initiative. Over the course of this year, each of us will help to support the career and leadership aspirations of a young woman. I hope that these smart young women take what they learn and go on to inspire countless others.

We are now two months away from this year’s local elections. This is the best time for all of us to accelerate our efforts towards creating equal opportunities in politics for Nepali women. In my own capacity, I will be speaking out for leadership and helping women to #BreakTheBias.

The author is the British Ambassador to Nepal