Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need for climate justice for countries like Nepal, which have minimal contributions to climate change but face its severe consequences.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th Nepal Geological Congress organized by the Nepal Geological Society on Monday, Paudel stressed that Nepal must raise the issue of climate justice in every international forum. He pointed out that developing and least developed nations, despite not contributing to global carbon emissions, suffer from the industrialization and fossil fuel consumption of developed countries.
Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, the President expressed concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters, including excessive rainfall, landslides, and soil erosion, which have caused significant loss of life and property over the past three decades. He also noted the rapid melting of snow caps, leaving many mountains bare.
Paudel acknowledged the challenge of earthquake prediction, stating that while some natural disasters can be forecasted, Nepal still lacks a reliable mechanism to predict earthquakes. He called for greater cooperation and collaboration to address climate change and disaster risks, which directly impact people’s lives.
The President also underscored the importance of Nepal’s natural resources, stating that discussions at the Congress on mineral exploration, climate change impacts, and geology’s role in infrastructure development could help attract investors.
Marking nearly a decade since the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Paudel emphasized the Congress’s significance in promoting scientific dialogue on Nepal’s geological challenges. He extended his best wishes for the success of the event.