Climate Study and Environmental Protection: A Call for Urgent Action

-Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal

Climate studies are essential for forecasting outcomes such as rainfall patterns and sea-level rise caused by warming oceans. They provide critical insights into threats to humans and wildlife, helping identify regions most affected by extreme weather events.

Climate Change and Policy Failures

Policy failures in addressing climate change have led to dire consequences, including rising sea levels, ecosystem collapse, food and water insecurity, and health risks. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy offers opportunities for innovation, job creation, and growth in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green technologies.

The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Prioritizing adaptation and resilience is essential for addressing these disparities. Natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, flood protection, and biodiversity conservation. Their protection and restoration are non-negotiable in combating climate change.

Impacts in Nepal

Nepal faces unique challenges, such as glacial lake outburst floods caused by retreating glaciers. These events threaten lives and livelihoods in affected regions. Habitat loss, environmental degradation, and climate change have placed many species at risk of extinction. Investing in sustainability not only preserves biodiversity but also mitigates economic losses, such as reduced agricultural yields and infrastructure damage.

Kathmandu Valley: Key Challenges

The Kathmandu Valley, as Nepal's urban and cultural heart, faces severe environmental challenges. Rapid urbanization, limited resources, and a bowl-like topography that traps pollutants have created a public health and environmental crisis.

 

Air Quality and Health

Kathmandu suffers from some of the world's worst air pollution, worsened by climate change. Rising temperatures reduce rainfall, which is crucial for clearing airborne pollutants. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently reaches 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous' levels, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Reports estimate air pollution causes 5,000 deaths annually in Kathmandu, underscoring the need for urgent action to strengthen air quality and CO2 monitoring systems.

Flooding and Water Management

Increased rainfall extremes due to climate change have led to urban flooding, damaging infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods. Meanwhile, prolonged droughts threaten agriculture and water supply, jeopardizing food security and economic stability.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Degradation

Climate change has accelerated biodiversity loss in the valley, with landslides and glacial lake outburst floods posing risks to communities and ecosystems. The degradation of natural ecosystems, essential for services like groundwater recharge and erosion control, highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Global Impacts and Trends

Globally, CO2 levels have reached unprecedented highs, with projections of over 3°C temperature increases by the century's end. This could reduce global GDP by 20% by 2050 and create life-threatening conditions for three-quarters of the population. Changes in jet streams, caused by climate change, are already disrupting weather patterns and threatening food security, potentially pushing millions into hunger.

As we enter 2024, the urgency for climate action is evident. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50% by 2030 is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This requires transformative changes in urban planning, governance, and industry practices.

Conclusion

The intertwined challenges of climate change and environmental degradation demand immediate and collaborative action. Investments in climate solutions, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable practices are crucial for securing a healthy planet. As Kofi Annan once said, “The world is reaching a tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible.”

[Prof. Pyakuryal is an economist, writer, development consultant, and former Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka.]