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Nepal recently experienced a simultaneous occurrence of both drought and flooding, underscoring the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in relation to loss and damage (L&D). In this context, ApEx recently organized a roundtable involving climate stakeholders to delve into topics such as L&D, disaster risk reduction, government initiatives, partnerships for addressing L&D, and the role of youth in climate awareness and action. Excerpts:

Embrace climate change as an opportunity

Manjeet Dhakal, climate change expert

Historically, our focus has been primarily on the effects and impacts of climate change, often as a means to attract foreign aid. Yet, we have not been educated about an alternative perspective—a viewpoint that regards climate change as not only a challenge but also an avenue for economic benefits. Fortunately, recent years have witnessed increased dialogue, discussions, media coverage, and research on various aspects of climate change, which is undoubtedly a positive shift.

In Nepal, the cornerstones of our economy—agriculture, remittances, tourism, and hydropower—have all borne the brunt of climate change. While the effects on agriculture, tourism, and hydropower are widely recognized, we have not been adequately informed about its potential impact on remittances. These remittances contribute roughly 23 percent to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Notably, around 80 percent of our migrant labor force heads to the Middle East and Malaysia, regions experiencing significant temperature increases compared to the global average. Consequently, our assessment of loss and damage should not be limited to our borders but should extend to encompass consequences beyond our political boundaries.

Necessity of scientific research

Pradip Khatiwada, disaster risk management expert

Numerous scientific studies have examined rainfall patterns and the global temperature rise, both contributing factors to instances of loss and damage. L&D is commonly categorized as economic, affecting livelihoods and property, and non-economic, encompassing issues like loss of life, health problems, psychological distress, displacement challenges, as well as damage to biodiversity and cultural heritage. While economic L&D is frequently discussed, the non-economic aspect has not received adequate attention. Therefore, conducting scientific research to evaluate our circumstances is essential. This research aids in anticipating and mitigating disaster impacts, bolstering our self-reliance. Additionally, communicating research findings effectively to vulnerable communities minimizes disaster-related risks.

While a 1.5°C temperature increase might not significantly affect certain countries, it’s a significant concern for Nepal due to its susceptibility to snowmelt-triggered flash floods and related problems. Unlike the sturdy mountains in Europe, our mountainous regions are delicate and vulnerable, warranting our concern.

Educate local communities on climate change

Bharati Pathak, community forest expert

Indigenous communities have played a pivotal role in revitalizing community forests nationwide, contributing significantly to mitigating climate change effects, including loss and damage. However, these communities possess only a basic understanding of climate change consequences such as floods, landslides, and droughts. The discourse on this matter has largely been confined to urban centers and the privileged class, leaving those directly dealing with climate change aftermath with limited awareness. Thus, extending knowledge-sharing initiatives to rural regions is imperative.

While we have actively participated in 27 Conferences of Parties (COP), do local communities truly comprehend the nature of COP, its discussions, and the resulting agreements? The absence of involvement from those at the forefront of climate change impacts casts uncertainty on our ability to achieve climate objectives.

In an environment where information is scarce, misinformation and disinformation thrive. This is evident in local communities’ understanding of carbon trading, where they sought compensation for only a few trees.

Collaborative efforts for climate action a must

Hari Prasad Sharma, Under secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment

Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change must be comprehensively assessed, including the degree, severity, and exposure of its impact. With about 68 percent of our land featuring slopes greater than 60°, our susceptibility to climate effects is heightened. Moreover, roughly 30 percent of our land lies at altitudes exceeding 2,500 meters, amplifying its sensitivity in sustaining livelihoods. Thus, our geographic circumstances render us particularly vulnerable.

Though climate change policies exist, practical execution is paramount. Policies often resemble wish lists; our focus should shift towards translating them into actionable steps through meticulous implementation. Given the global move towards cooperative decision-making, addressing climate change necessitates a collective approach. Embracing contemporary methods is crucial to effectively combat this issue.

Allocating resources to educate and foster climate change understanding from a young age is essential, as the youth represent future catalysts for change.

Climate change transcends data

Shrichchha Pradhan, climate activist and Miss Nepal World 2023

Nepal’s cultural practices, adaptability to environmental challenges, and community-driven sustainability efforts offer valuable lessons for the global community. By studying and adopting these practices, societies worldwide can take meaningful strides toward addressing climate change, embracing zero-waste lifestyles, and nurturing sustainability. Entrepreneurship within the climate change realm presents an opportunity yielding multiple benefits, including educating the youth on climate intricacies, promoting sustainable practices, and zero-waste principles.

Understanding climate change extends beyond data; it holds a deep emotional dimension impacting local communities, especially in remote areas. These communities daily bear the brunt of climate change, experiencing its far-reaching consequences in ways statistics cannot capture. Their close connection with the environment has traditionally granted them a profound understanding of nature’s patterns. However, recent unpredictable changes from climate change have disrupted this traditional knowledge. Thus, engaging with these communities and providing targeted education about changing consequences is crucial.

Loss and damage as a moral imperative

Adelle Thomas, lead author of IPCC Reports

Loss and damage (L&D) lacks a universally agreed definition within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signifying different meanings for different groups. Nonetheless, L&D generally refers to negative climate change impacts that occur despite mitigation and adaptation efforts.

L&D is often categorized as economic or non-economic. Economic L&D entails quantifiable negative impacts, such as rebuilding infrastructure post-floods or agricultural revenue loss due to drought. Non-economic L&D includes impacts challenging to assign monetary values, like trauma from tropical cyclones or community loss due to displacement.

Both extreme events (heat waves, storms) and slow-onset events (sea-level rise, ocean acidification) contribute to loss and damage.

Nag Panchami emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of people and nature with its cultural and spiritual significance. It acts as a reminder of the significance of treating all living things with respect and preserving ecological balance.

This traditional Hindu festival honors serpents and snakes because they are revered in Hindu mythology and culture. The celebration takes place on the fifth day of the Shrawan lunar month, which normally falls in July or August. The term ‘Nag’ refers to snakes, and ‘Panchami’ means the fifth day.

Devotees pray to and worship snake deities during Nag Panchami in order to protect themselves from snakebites and other related risks. Hinduism views snakes as powerful, holy beings as a sign of protection, consciousness, and alertness.

Narendra Chitrakar, 62, has been painting Naga pictures since he was 11, learning from his father and his grandfather before that. This is his ancestral business. He was born in Machhindra Bahal, Masan Galli, Ason, Kathmandu. The colors used in the paintings are called ‘kacha rang’ in the Newari Language, which means raw color. He creates five to six designs of paintings of different sizes. Small posters are more popular and are sold in greater numbers than smaller ones. He sells 2500-3000 handmade posters every season, with prices ranging from five rupees to Rs 50. Apart from that, he also paints color on the statue of Rato Machhindranath and other Hindu deities.

One of the most famous myths about this day is about Lord Krishna defeating serpent Kaliya. According to the story, Kaliya had taken residence in the Yamuna River, poisoning its waters and terrorizing the inhabitants. Krishna, as a young boy, danced on Kaliya’s many heads, forcing the serpent to surrender and promise to leave the river. This story symbolizes the victory of good over evil and since that day Nag Pachami was celebrated.

In Hinduism, the month of Shrawan which is the fourth month of the Hindu calendar holds special significance as it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers, and visit temples during this month to seek blessings and show their devotion. It’s believed that prayers and offerings made during Shrawan are especially auspicious and can lead to the fulfillment of one’s wishes. 

The mondays of Shrawan, known as ‘Shrawan Somvar,’ are particularly important for Shiva worship. People often adorn themselves with holy ash and offer water, milk, and other offerings to Lord Shiva during this month.

The Pashupati Arati is a daily ritual that takes place at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s a significant religious ceremony held in honor of Lord Pashupatinath.

In Shrawan, every evening, the temple complex comes alive with the mesmerizing Pashupati Arati. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the sacred ritual where oil lamps are lit, accompanied by chanting, prayers, and the ringing of bells. The Arati is performed by the temple priests, and it’s believed that participating in or witnessing this ritual during Shrawan is especially auspicious. 

There are many legends and myths associated with the significance of the month of Shrawan. One of the popular myths is that the daughter of Dakch, Sati Devi sacrificed her life and was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayan king. She wanted to marry Lord Shiva and went through tough fasting for the whole month. Pleased by the devotion of Parvati, Shiva fulfilled her wish. This is why women wear green clothes and fast in this month believing they will get a husband like Shiva. 

Another mythological story is the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrit). During this churning, various divine gifts emerged from the ocean, including poison. To prevent the poison from spreading and harming the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison. As a result, his throat turned blue, earning him the name ‘Neelkantha’ (the blue-throated one). In commemoration of this event, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva during the month of Shrawan.

Weavers are renowned for their remarkable nest-building skills. These small birds create intricate nests, often resembling woven baskets, using grasses, leaves, and various materials. These nests serve as excellent protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.

The tale of a weaver underscores the creativity and ingenuity of nature, inspiring humans to cherish and learn from the world around them. It also highlights how observing animal behavior can spark innovative ideas in human architecture and design.

Within weavers’ colonies, complex social structures exist, with dominance hierarchies among males impacting their access to resources and nesting sites.

Some weaver bird species nest in colonies, resulting in a captivating spectacle of numerous nests in close proximity. This communal nesting behavior offers collective vigilance against predators, ensuring better protection.

Similar to humans, male weavers showcase their nest-building prowess as a courtship display to attract females. The more elaborate the nest, the higher the chances of attracting a mate.

Females evaluate males based on the quality of their nests, as it signifies the male’s genetic fitness and ability to provide a safe environment for their offsprings.

Weavers use various vocalizations to communicate with one another. These sounds convey warnings about predators, signal social interactions, and establish territorial boundaries.

Certain weaver bird species are migratory, embarking on long journeys to find suitable breeding and feeding grounds. Every year, when spring season starts, weavers migrate from the Tarai region of Nepal to the bank of Balkhu river in Kathmandu. They reproduce and return in mid-summer.

Once the eggs hatch, both male and female weavers take care of the newborn. They feed the chicks and protect them from potential threats.