Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) organized an interaction on the topic of 'Growing Climate Crisis: What are the Solutions?' in Kathmandu on Monday.
During the program, experts pointed out the need of international cooperation to minimize the increasing risks and potential damage in the glacial watershed.
They emphasized that a cross-border early warning system is essential to reduce the risks and damages caused by the climate crisis, arguing that climate-related disasters are increasing the loss of life and property due to lack of international information communication and inter-agency coordination, reads a statement issued by NEFEJ.
Dr Chang Qiangong, Head of the Climate and Environment Department of the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), said that resource-rich studies and research are necessary to address climate-related events.
He said that if developed countries transfer technology and knowledge to underdeveloped countries, mountainous countries will benefit. Chang said, "Science diplomacy is indispensable for this. We are preparing to bring in foreign experts and conduct training to enhance the capacity of the Hindu Kush region in the event of disasters such as permafrost and avalanches."
Climate expert Dr Dharma Upreti said that international cooperation is indispensable as Nepal cannot solve the problem alone as multi-disaster incidents are increasing.
Stating that the climate-related incidents taking place in India and China can be a lesson for Nepal, he said, 'The risk of damage incidents increasing due to temperature increase in the Himalayan region has increased. International cooperation should be increased through climate diplomacy.'
Saying that early warning system can save lives as climate-related disasters can cause damage to other countries simultaneously, Upreti opined that such things should not be limited to policies and plans but should be implemented. He suggested that countries affected by climate risks should take joint initiatives to receive relief from the 'Loss and Damage Fund' ensured by the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COPC).
Avalanche researcher Shri Kamal Dwivedi stressed that Nepal needs to increase its capacity to mitigate climate risk events, and pointed out the need to increase studies in this regard as avalanches do not only occur when glaciers burst. 'We should be aware that not only large glaciers but also small lakes can pose a risk at any time,' he said. 'Glacial lakes formed 20-25 years ago are posing an even greater risk.'
Stating that there is a need to establish a special body to prevent multiple disasters and minimize damage, he discussed that the inability to assess the damage caused by avalanches and debris is affecting development projects, according to the statement.
National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority (NDRRMA) Environment Inspector Rina Chaudhary claimed that the authority is active in risk reduction and post-incident facilitation. She argues that the authority, being a coordinating body, is active in adopting risk reduction measures.
Other speakers at the program highlighted the need for coordination and collaboration to make early information dissemination regular and efficient in multi-disaster events. Former Newapas President Kasamus Bishwakarma and environmentalist Dr Binod Bhatta said that journalists and media outlets should be involved in timely training, workshops and follow-up on disaster mitigation events.
