Kathmandu: For the first time, Nepal has presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), demanding climate justice and highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on the country. Foreign Minister Dr. Arjun Rana Deuba represented Nepal in the proceedings, calling for compensation to address the damage caused by climate change.
Dr. Rana Deuba informed the ICJ about the significant effects of climate change on Nepal, particularly due to carbon emissions from wealthy, developed nations. The Minister emphasized that despite Nepal’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country has been severely affected by the resulting climate change, and it urgently requires resources to tackle the crisis.
During the hearing, Dr. Rana Deuba pointed out that Nepal’s geographical vulnerability and its level of development make it particularly susceptible to climate-related disasters. He also referred to a recent study by ISIMOD, which predicts that glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region could lose up to 80% of their current mass by the end of this century due to accelerated melting. This, in turn, would exacerbate problems such as floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage in Nepal’s high-altitude regions.
The Foreign Minister further outlined the severe climate-related disasters Nepal has faced this year, including floods and landslides that claimed over 300 lives. Additionally, crucial infrastructure, including drinking water systems, roads, energy, irrigation, and agriculture, was severely damaged, with losses exceeding $103 million USD.
Alongside Dr. Rana Deuba, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Uday Raj Sapkota, and Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shubhang Parajuli, also provided detailed information on Nepal’s situation, reinforcing the country’s demand for climate justice.
The ICJ is holding hearings on climate justice as per a directive from the United Nations General Assembly. Nepal’s appeal calls for accountability and compensation from countries responsible for the climate crisis, which is disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations like Nepal.