Kathmandu: Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has urged global research institutions to conduct further studies on the impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks of climate change in Nepal’s Himalayan regions.
Speaking at an interaction held on Monday at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, Dr. Deuba stated, “I call upon global research institutions to study how climate change has been affecting Nepal in recent years and the risks it poses to our Himalayan regions and communities.”
The call was made during discussions with prominent climate experts, including Prof. Dr. Niels Hovius, head of the Geomorphology Department, and Dr. Ludwig Stroink, head of Projects and International Affairs at the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).
Addressing Climate Impacts in Nepal
Dr. Deuba emphasized the pressing need for research and collaboration to address Nepal’s escalating climate challenges. She highlighted the severe and often unpredictable damages Nepal has endured in recent years due to climate change.
The meeting also focused on Nepal’s efforts to manage geo-technical crises, such as landslides and floods, and the use of early warning systems to mitigate these risks. Nepal and GFZ have been collaborating in the development of landslide early warning systems.
Reviewing Progress and Future Collaboration
The discussion reviewed progress in early warning systems and disaster risk mitigation efforts. Dr. Deuba acknowledged a prior engagement with the GFZ during President Ram Chandra Paudel’s visit to Germany in June. During that visit, GFZ presented its research on climate change impacts in Nepal. Monday’s meeting was a follow-up to those earlier discussions.
Research Priorities and Global Advocacy
GFZ is renowned for its studies on water resources, hydrological cycles, landslides, atmospheric pollution, and the effects of climate change. Minister Deuba expressed Nepal’s commitment to addressing climate issues in coordination with the international community, emphasizing Nepal’s active participation in global climate forums and United Nations conferences.
Dr. Deuba reiterated Nepal’s advocacy for climate justice, mountain ecosystem conservation, and sustainable climate finance. She also mentioned presenting Nepal’s case for climate justice at the International Court of Justice in The Hague last week.
Vulnerable Communities at Risk
Dr. Deuba highlighted that climate change disproportionately affects women, children, marginalized groups, and Himalayan settlements, especially in rural areas. She called for more comprehensive global efforts to address these impacts.
Nepal’s ambassador to Germany, Dr. Shail Rupakheti, also participated in the interaction, as confirmed by the minister’s secretariat.
