Climate Change | Adaptation & Mitigation Strategy | Global Warming | GHS Effect | SDGs Nepal

The Melting Himalayas: A Global Climate Catastrophe

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 14:25:00 +0000

The Himalayas, often referred to as the "Third Pole," are experiencing unprecedented climate change impacts. The rapid rise in global temperatures is accelerating glacier melt in this vital mountain range, affecting millions of people and ecosystems both regionally and globally. Recent studies indicate that 2024 has been one of the warmest years on record, with temperature anomalies far exceeding previous estimates. This alarming trend is leading to disastrous consequences for communities dependent on Himalayan glaciers and causing ripple effects worldwide.

The Himalayas have been warming at nearly twice the global average. Reports indicate that average temperatures in the region have risen by about 1.5°C over the past century. In 2024, some parts of the Himalayas recorded temperatures up to 3°C above normal, exacerbating the rate of glacial retreat. This rapid melting is contributing to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and disruptions to river systems that sustain billions of people in South Asia. One of the most alarming examples was the recent surge in glacial melt in the Everest region, where scientists recorded an accelerated ice loss rate. The melting of Himalayan glaciers contributes directly to rising sea levels, threatening coastal cities and low-lying nations worldwide.

The year 2024 has witnessed record-breaking temperatures across the globe, intensifying the already critical climate crisis. Some notable temperature surges include Antarctica. A heatwave pushed temperatures 28°C above normal, an unprecedented anomaly in the region. in Europe several countries, including Spain, Italy, and France, faced relentless heatwaves, with temperatures surpassing 45°C in some areas. Likewise in North America, the United States recorded one of its hottest summers, with cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas experiencing prolonged periods above 50°C.

In Asia countries like India and Pakistan endured extreme heat, reaching 52°C in certain regions, causing water shortages and heat-related fatalities. In Several parts of Africa including Sudan and Egypt, reported prolonged drought conditions, severely impacting agriculture and food security.

The melting of the Himalayas has far-reaching consequences beyond South Asia. As these glaciers retreat, they contribute to rising sea levels, threatening densely populated coastal cities such as Mumbai, Jakarta, and New York. The freshwater supply for nearly 2 billion people across India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal is also at risk, leading to conflicts over water resources. Furthermore, the increasing temperatures have disrupted weather patterns, causing more intense hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones worldwide. The link between Himalayan ice melt and global climate instability underscores the urgent need for stronger climate action.

The situation demands immediate and comprehensive intervention. Governments, environmental organizations, and international agencies must focus on

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through aggressive policy changes and sustainable practices.
Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate disasters such as GLOFs and floods. -
Enhancing global cooperation to address water security issues arising from glacier depletion. -
Increasing reforestation and conservation efforts to maintain ecosystem balance and slow the warming process.

The rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers is a stark reminder of the accelerating climate crisis. As global temperatures continue to rise, the impacts will only intensify, affecting not just the Himalayan region but the entire planet. Immediate and decisive action is required to combat this crisis and protect the future of billions of people worldwide.

COP29 Climate Finance Deal and Its Impact on Developing Nations

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 15:08:00 +0000

In 2024, the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders to address pressing climate change challenges. The summit's outcomes have significant implications, particularly for developing nations.

Key Outcomes of COP29

New Climate Finance Target: A pivotal achievement was the agreement on a "New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance," aiming to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. Developed countries committed to leading this effort by providing $300 billion per year, with the remainder expected from private sector investments.
Operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund: The summit operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund, established to support vulnerable nations facing climate-induced adversities. Despite its activation, current pledges total $700 million, significantly below the estimated $150 billion needed annually.
Advancements in Carbon Markets: Progress was made in establishing a global carbon trading system under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This framework aims to enhance emission reduction efforts and promote sustainable development, especially in developing countries.
Recognition of Trade Policies in Climate Action: For the first time, trade policies were formally acknowledged in climate discussions, emphasizing the integration of economic and environmental agendas to support sustainable development.

Implications for Developing Nations

While COP29's outcomes represent progress, developing nations face several challenges:

Insufficient Funding: The agreed $300 billion annual contribution from developed countries falls short of the $1.3 trillion requested by vulnerable nations, raising concerns about addressing climate-related issues effectively.
Dependence on Private Investments: Relying heavily on private sector funding may not guarantee equitable distribution, potentially sidelining the most vulnerable communities.
Operational Challenges of the Loss and Damage Fund: With current pledges significantly below the required amounts, the fund's capacity to support affected nations remains uncertain.
Carbon Market Integrity: Ensuring that carbon markets do not lead to greenwashing is crucial for their effectiveness in reducing emissions and supporting sustainable development.

In summary, COP29 made notable strides in climate finance and policy integration. However, for developing nations to effectively combat climate change, increased funding, equitable investment strategies, and robust implementation mechanisms are essential.

Climate change innovative organization awarded in Nepal

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 14:00:00 +0000

The Minister for Population and Environment Jay Dev Joshi, handed over cash prize of 10,000 Pound to 15 organizations working for their innovative effort in the field of climate change adaptation at a formal gathering in Kathmandu.

The Adaptation at Scale Prize has been rewarded for innovative solutions to scale-up climate change adaptation in Nepal from the Ideas to Impact program funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by IMC Worldwide.

The name of the organization are

Community Development and Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAF Nepal),
Youth Acting for Change Nepal (YAC Nepal),
Manahari Development Institute Nepal (MDI Nepal),
Mutual Support Center,
National Disaster Risk Reduction Center (NDRRC),
Center for Rural Technology Nepal (CRT Nepal),
Ithaka Institute for Climate Financing,
Care Nepal,
Namsaling Community Development Center,
CEAPRED Nepal,
Machapuchare Development Organization,
Practical Action South Asia,
ANSAB Nepal,
Dalit Welfare Organization (DWO) and
Human Dev and Environment Concern Society Nepal

Delhi Pollution an issue of concern for the state government

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 15:39:00 +0000

From few days the world Delhi the capital city of India has been closed down due to serious air pollution. Schools has been shut down and serious measures have been taken to give relief to the public.

As per measurements in Delhi put the city's Air Quality Index at 999 on Monday, off the standard chart, which finishes at the "hazardous" level of 500 at normal level.

Taking it down to the streets thousand of people protested outside Parliament for their right to live and breath. In yet another desperate move the Government announced 3 days closure of schools where more than 5,000 schools are directly affected. All types of construction & demolition in the region has been halted.

In view of the high pollution rates the prices of masks are topping the charts where prices rang from Rs 90 to up to Rs 2,200.

Pollution particles in the Air rising in Kathmandu

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:25:00 +0000

According, to the Air Quality Monitoring Station in Ratnapark, the pollution particles in the air of Kathmandu has increased. The data taken on October 11, PM10 was around 120, PM2.5 was 90, PM1 was 19, and TSP was 92 whereas as compared to the data of October 16, PM10 reached 235, PM2.5 reached 110, PM1 reached 90, and TSP reached 338.

Currently, the department is monitoring air pollution through one station installed in Ratnapark of Kathmandu. Another station will reportedly be installed in Dhulikhel by the end of this week.

With that station, the government will be operating 15 air quality monitoring stations throughout the country by the end of this fiscal year.

The stations has been monitoring the polution level of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and ozone in the atmosphere.

Although the practice of monitoring levels of air pollution began in Nepal in 2002 with the installation of seven air quality stations in the Valley by the Danish government, all stations were shut down by 2009. After the stations were handed over to the Nepali government in 2008, the government entrusted the Environment and Public Health Organisation with managing the stations.

The department is in the process of installing 56 stations throughout the country

Water drained from Imja glacier lake

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 17:19:00 +0000

The joint team of experts of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has successfully drained 2.5 metres of water from Imja Lake. On September 24 with high alert to save over a dozen villages from the risk of glacial lake outburst flood, The team started draining the water off the Imja.
Acoording to the Team , “We have successfully controlled the situation of the risk of glacial lake outburst flood by lowering the water level by 2.5 metres. we are releasing water at the rate of three cubic metres per second, and we plans to drain a total of 4 million cubic metres of water from the lake.

The project was initiated by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology under the 7.2 million dollar budgeted Community Based Flood and Glacial Lake Outburst Risk Reduction Project.
The project aims to reduce possible loss of human lives, property, and infrastructure from GLOFs in Solukhumbu and the downstream areas of Mahottari, Siraha, Saptari, and Udaypur.

The Nepali Army constructed the outlet gate to release water accumulated since June 1 this year. NA personnel had constructed a three-metre wide and 1.5-metre deep outlet channel to drain the water. As many as 40 personnel and 62 civilians were involved in the task.

The Nepali Army had completed the construction work in and around the lake a month ago.

An estimated 96,562 people are living in vulnerable areas downstream of Imja Lake.

Nepal is ranked the fourth most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of climate change. A total of 3,808 glaciers and 1,466 glacial lakes have been identified in Nepal.

These include 21 potentially dangerous lakes, out of which six are at very high risk. Thso Rolpa and Imja Lakes are among them.

Yale Environmental Performance Index 2016 Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Fri, 06 May 2016 04:42:00 +0000

Yale University will launch its flagship Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report at United Nations Headquarters in New York City with a discussion event on Monday, 9 May 2016. This index ranks 180 countries on high-priority environmental issues including air quality, climate change, and water resources.
The EPI provides a scorecard and baseline to assess each country's performance and inform progress on United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
The Panelists in the EPI for 2016 are:

1. H.E. Mrs. Janine Coye Felson - Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations
2.Mr. Elliott Harris- Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the New York Office of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)3. Ms. Kim Samuel- President of The Samuel Family Foundation and Professor of Practice at the Institute for Studies in International Development at McGill University4. Dr. Angel Hsu- Assistant Professor at Yale-National University of Singapore (NUS) College; EPI Principal Investigator
The esteemed panelists will discuss how nations are performing on critical environmental issues - individually and collectively. What portion of the world breathes unsafe air? How many of the world's fisheries have collapsed? Are countries protecting forests and biodiversity?

The event provides an opportunity for UN Member States, UN staff, civil society and others working to advance environmental policy and implement the SDGs to learn which environmental issues require the most attention and resources. Country representatives will have a chance to see a breakdown of their EPI scores, allowing them a better understanding of which national environmental policies are working and which are not.

The 2016 Environmental Performance Index which is in its 15 year is a project lead by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy (YCELP) and Yale Data-Driven Environmental Solutions Group at Yale University (Data-Driven Yale), the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia University, in collaboration with the Samuel Family Foundation, McCall MacBain Foundation, and the World Economic Forum.

For more information, please visit: http://epi.yale.edu/about

Wild Fire in Nepal destroys 5500 hectares of forest

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Sun, 01 May 2016 21:41:00 +0000

A massive wildfire has threatened to destroyed 5,500 hectares of Panchase forest area and 12 kinds of rare trees, 10 kinds of medicinal herbs, 113 kinds of Sungabha flower, eight types of herbs and 589 kinds of flowers apart from endangered wild animals.

The bush fire started on Thursday night in a forest area of Panchase, has yet to be brought under control.

The forest area, which borders Parbat, Kaski and Syangja districts, is home to diverse floras and faunas. The fire is threatening endangered species of birds, animals and herbs in the forest area.

A coordinated teams from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are trying to contain the fire, under District Adminstration Office, Parbat.

COP21 and its implication in terms of policies and process

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 14:46:00 +0000

Carbon Footprint

These pictures speak reality, these pictures are taken from my terrace where everyday carbon falls from the sky. The carbon is collected from a solar panel on top of a roof and everyday it's the same case. Who is responsible?
You, me or someone else who is sitting in a developed country and who enjoys the benefit of pollution ?

Why us ? If they are enjoying the benefit then they ought to face the problems but reality is the ecosystem runs by the bottoms up approach where climate change factors affects the natural resources first and gradually move upwards. I guess it's a more of cleansing process that starts with the natural way.

The climates changes symptoms are so vivid these days that it has short-come the preliminary symptoms where the temperature is rising with rise in numbers of various types of insects and other animals are visually appearing.
Apart from that due to climate change a lot of herbal plants from the Himalayan ecosystem are vanishing, similar can be the case of minerals as well.

Nepal is a small countries where our Green house gas emission rate is even less than zero and we are facing the problems.

The big conferences like COP talk about mitigation and adaptation strategy but my question is will that help in terms of getting back of what we have lost or compromised.
I say a big NO.
So where is our voice nowhere ? They just pretend to give voices to our problems where there are less efforts done for real actions.

By doing a climate march or making people aware about the issue things won't change, The climate degradation wont stop, it's further rising with insane results.
The world has to react but with what is my concern. I do not say it matter less but does it makes our life safer is the reality check that I look for.

If this is the case then the vulnerabilities created by climates changes should be treated like global terrorism where one country or nation can attack other for spreading more pollution, only then it would make a difference......

Let's come down to reality and think what will make developed countries stop their pollution development process and we ought to move towards that path then just focusing on issues that are relevant.

The solution can be only one, it can be stopped only by stopping the pollution itself that too has major hurdles. The development of the 21 century seems to be more nature killing one and we ought to focus on that. we have to stop such development which is virtually pushing the world on the brink of extension. It fairly sounds rude but hey I am the one who is suffering due to climate change not an American or a french or a English or a Indian ...
Though as big as the conference are it may sound but these conferences lobby issues of developed countries only where there voices of developed nations and people lobby their issues of interests and politics. The big games of the conferences are more focused towards their position of saving their own ass
We need solutions not impression of action. Hypothetically let's consider if the developed countries lessen their pollution rate would it be affecting the environment and I would really doubt. As the question here is not about what has been damaged but the question here is about what would further be damaged as climate change is a vulnerable issue that works with feasibility of various element of nature. The random occurrence of the change in Geo-Thermic activities hugely affect the core atmospherics elements which internally rises the temperature.

If one element changes it affects the other elements and there is a drastic change that is occurring. If we are looking for a long terms change it cannot be processed until and unless we restore elements needed or else it would create a imbalance in the ecosystem.

It's a very complex topic but getting it down to its dynamic its not that easy, the way it is visualized, there are layers of affects that are taking place and the elements are changing that cannot be undone. The Earth ecosystem is not a a chemical lab where and which can be manipulated by developed nation. As complex as the problem we need a dynamic solution for correction where we have no guidance and solution. We are just pulling our socks in view of saving ourselves from the blame.

First Draft of New Climate Change Agreement Presented to Governments

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:10:00 +0000

The Ad hoc working group on the Durban platform (ADP) submitted a new universal climate change agreement to strengthened through the issuance of the first comprehensive draft today.
The link to the paper is click here

The Co-Chairs of the Ad hoc working group on the Durban platform (ADP), the body tasked with negotiating the agreement, prepared the draft, which contains the basis for negotiation of the draft Paris climate package. In addition to the agreement, the package contains a draft of the decision that will operationalize the agreement from 2020 and a draft decision on pre-2020 ambition.
he documents can be found here.

The draft of the agreement is a concise basis for negotiations for the next negotiating session from 19-23 October 2015 in Bonn. Co-Chairs Ahmed Djoghalf of Algeria and Daniel Reifsnyder of the United States prepared the draft in response to a request from countries to have a better basis from which to negotiate.

Governments are committed to reaching the new agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris in December this year.

COP21 to be held from November 30th to December 11th 2015 in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:06:00 +0000

The 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held from November 30th to December 11th 2015 in Paris. It is estimated to bring around 40,000 participants and diplomats from governments, UN agencies, civil society and INGOs from all over the world.

The main Objective of the COP21 is to reach a global legally binding climate agreement to limit global average temperature increases to below 2°C and facilitate the transition towards resilient, low-carbon societies and economies.

ADB resident mission celebrates 25 years in Nepal

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:54:00 +0000

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Nepal Resident Mission (NRM) of ADB, Takehiko Nakao President of Asian Development Bank (ADB)is on a 3 days visit of Nepal. During his visit Nakao has shown his commitment to investment more in creating a better scenario for investment in climate sector to increase implementation of infrastructure projects. In a program he focused to accelerate spending is the key question and supporting capacity building of implementing agencies regarding this.

According to Nakao, " Nepal’s public capital expenditure disbursed in recent years stood at a mere 3.3 per cent of GDP, compared to 8.5 per cent required to fill the infrastructure gap within a decade. Every year, about 20 per cent of the allocated budget is underutilised, which has underlined the need to build fundamental capacities for project development and implementation, and improve budgetary processes for timely approval and fund release."

"Areas including infrastructure development, investment on people especially education and health, good investment climate to attract foreign direct investment, microeconomic stability, inclusiveness in society, vision, governance, political stability and security should be the focus sectors of the government for economic development. In all these sectors, there are encouraging signs, but Nepal still needs local efforts to better address the investment climate," added he.

Nakao emphasized to promote investment and public private partnership (PPP), he also assured to support in regulatory framework for PPP to attract private sector in hydropower. He lauded the signing of power trade agreement with India that assures of power trading and reduction of poverty to 25 per cent of population of the country.

Nepal is a founding developing member country of ADB, established in 1966. Since ADB began its development assistance in 1969, by funding the improvement of Tribhuvan International Airport and four domestic airports, ADB has provided 167 sovereign loans and grants to Nepal totalling $4.3 billion.

During the meeting with leaders, Nakao said that ADB is planning to extend concessional loans of about $1 billion and around $13 million in technical assistance grant to Nepal over the next three years.

Hudhud Cyclone triggers more than 25 death in Nepal

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:55:00 +0000

The Strongest tropical cyclone of 2014 that started in the North Indian Ocean left behind catastrophic results not just in Indian terrain but prolonged its way in the Himalayan region of Nepal. In Nepal the 2 days of continuous raining resulted in death of more than 25 people and dozens of other missing in the ordeal of avalanches debris in three western mountainous districts of Nepal.
Nepal faced the trickle-down effect of the Hudhud cyclone where the continuous heavy raining of 2 days brought on by the cyclone battered the mountainous region. The weather triggered blizzards at high altitudes where the world famous Annapurna region trekking was declared an alert zone.

More than 200 trekkers were directly affected by the freakish storm that began bearing down on the Annapurna region on Tuesday. Dozens were reported missing and feared buried under snow and avalanche debris.

According to Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), “ TAAN rescued 77 trekkers from different parts of Manang district on Thursday. Of the trekkers rescued on Thursday, 17 were Israelis, 29 Nepalis (support staff), 5 Indonesians, 10 Germans, 5 Spanish, 4 Indians, 3 Canadians, 2 Russians, and 2 Polish.”

On Wednesday, the rescue team brought down five bodies – two Nepalis, two Israelis and one Polish. Similarly, one more body has been brought down to Jomsom. Their identity has yet to be ascertained. With this the number of deceased in Mustang side has reached 10. Rescue teams had recovered four bodies.

Meanwhile, rescue workers have recovered 10 bodies from Phu and Kangla area of Manang.

Joint rescue team comprising security personnel from Nepal Army and Nepal Police are continuously in process of rescuing the victims.

Sudden Climate change increases death toll in Annapurna region

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 03:09:00 +0000

According to latest reports, around 21 persons, including 12 foreign trekkers, have died due to massive snowfall in different parts of the Annapurna Region.

The dead people have been reported from Nine Nepal, three Israelis, three Polish and one from Vietnam. Similarly, Nepal Army (NA) has rescued 20 more. They have been flown down to Jomsom for treatment. It has been reported that currently there is 3.3 meters of snow fall due to avalanche.

Though August, September and October are considered the best trekking seasons but due to the sudden climate change things have really gone bad. Joint rescue operation of Nepal Army and private sector are continuously working in safeguarding the people stuck in such region.

Nepal to participate in the UIAA general assembly

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:35:00 +0000

A joint team of climate change experts and diplomats have left Nepal on Tuesday to participate in the general assembly of International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) to be held from October 15 to 18 at Flagstaff, Arizona.

The delegate consists of Ang Tshering Sherpa NMA President, Santa Bir Lama First Vice President, Pemba Dorje Sherpa Central Executive Board Member, Suresh Man Shrestha Secretary and Under Secretary Ram Prasad Sapkota from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

According to a statement issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), “The meeting will discuss on mountain environment, climbing and mountaineering ethics, access to nature, mountaineering expeditions, training standards, youth climbing and mountaineering mobilisation, ice climbing development, UIAA safety standards, medical and anti-doping, along with other mountain related issues.”

During the General Assembly the NMA president Sherpa who is also an Honorary Member of UIAA will give a presentation focusing on mountain, cultural and other tourism products of Nepal.

Villages abandoned in Mustang areas due to Climate Change

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:52:00 +0000

Amid the climate change harsh effects being discussed, two mountain village in the district of Mustang, Samjung and Ghey have completely been abandoned by their inhabitants due to lack of water resources and climate change effects.

It has been reported that due to climate change the temperatures in the region have increased phenomenally drying natural water resources compelling people to migrate to lower southern region of the district.

According to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), "Climate change and global warming has hugely hit the region where it has affected the bio diversity directly. The local weather pattern has changed ranging from extreme drought situations to extreme rainfall and has thus increased the risk of flash floods and landslide in the region. Moreover, the time to harvest crops after their plantation has also changed. While the villages had to wait for nearly a year to harvest a batch of crop, now they get the yields several times a year."

The recent government statistics state that the temperature in the mountains in Nepal has been on the rise by 0.06 per cent compared to the 0.04 per cent in the southern plain. This has risked the melting down of Glacier in the Himalayan region which hugely threats the valley

ADB states Nepal risk hugely due to climate change

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 10:17:00 +0000

Kathmandu, Nepal: According to a Asian Development Bank (ADB) report titled Assessing the Costs of Climate Change and Adaptation in South Asia, Nepal is extremely vulnerable to glacial lake overflows‚ landslides‚ flash floods‚ and droughts and also to longer-term climate change effects.

The report highlights that it can cause losses equal to almost 10% of the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) by 2100. Nepal would see economic losses equivalent to up to 2.2% of annual GDP by 2050, widening to 9.9% by the end of the century. But if mitigation and adaptation steps are taken, the damage could be limited to around 2.4% of GDP by 2100.

Similarly, countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka of South Asia will see an average economic loss of 1.8% of their collective GDP every year by 2050.

Regarding the melting glaciers in Nepal's mountainous areas, landslides are likely to increase, threatening lives and infrastructure. It strictly marks a risk to both human settlements and hydropower systems as they form high-altitude lakes causing catastrophic flooding downstream.

Making a suggestion the report marked that at least $73 billion, or an average of 0.86% of its GDP needs to be spend as the cost of climate change adaptation measures in South Asia every year between now and 2100.

"On the other hand, if countries act together to keep the rise in global temperatures below 2.5°C, the cost of South Asia shielding itself from the worst of the impacts would be nearly halved to around $40.6 billion, or 0.48% of GDP," it suggested.

TAAN International Eco-Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:14:00 +0000

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is all set to organize its TAAN International Eco-Challenge to promote adventure sports here in Nepal . This year TAAN is organizing 2nd TAAN International Eco-Challenge 2014 on August 17.

The international event includes three sporting events running, cycling and rafting. Interested participants will need to form a group of five persons including a team manager who will not participate in the sporting events. All four participants will first run on the 6.5KM track from Bhutkhel ground in Tokha to Pani Muhan at the entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun-National Park. The participants will then cycle on the 14.5 KM kilometer track through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. After completing cycling, the participants will then raft on 7.5KM segment of Bagmati River until Gokarna.

The winning team will receive gold medals, certificates and cash prize of Rs 125,000. Similarly, the first runner-up will receive silver medals, certificates and cash prize of Rs 95,000, while the second runner-up will receive bronze medals, certificates and a purse of Rs 65,000.

Anyone above the age of 18 can participate in the event by paying registration fee of Rs 4,000 per team.

The official website of the event is http://www.ecochallengenepal.com/

Sunkoshi landslide and flooding threatens Indo-Nepal boarders

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:58:00 +0000

Marking the death toll of more than hundred people and questioning the safety of valleys below the Sunkoshi landslide and flooding has been a major issue of concern for all. With such tragic condition, the government of Nepal has already declared the devastated area as flood crisis zone. The landslide that occurred on the early hours of 2 August 2014, blocked the river sunkoshi above Jure village, about 1.4 km upstream from the Sun Koshi Hydropower project’s. Within hours a new lake was formed which rapidly grew to a volume of an estimated 7 million cubic metres and extended about 3 km upstream, completely submerging the 2.6 MW Sanima Hydropower station. The massive landslide then created a high dam across the Sun Koshi River which blocked the river and submerged 3 villages.

It is estimated that 1.9 km long slope of land had perched 1,350 m above the river bed and collapsed, burying two dozen houses, taking the lives of at least thirty-three people, and injuring many more.
As many as 14 VDCs in Khotang district are at high risk of inundation after the landslide in Sindhupalchok district blocked the passage of Sunkoshi River.

Bahunidanda, Dikuwa, Chyasmitar, Durchhim, Dhitung, Rajapani, Batase, Chichkiramche, Barahapokhari, Saunechaur, Suntale and few other VDCs that are on the side of Sunkoshi river are at high risk of flooding.

The Arniko Highway, one of the trade link between China and Nepal has been completely blocked.

Due to the spill over of the water level the sunkoshi river in Bihar increased on Sunday after the Nepalese army carried out low-intensity blasts to remove the landslide debris. With alarming situation the 52 gates of the Koshi barrage at the borders have been opened .

Environment Day celebrated in Nepal 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 04:19:00 +0000

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is organizing a tree plantation program to celebrate the World Environment Day with the theme ‘Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level’. TAAN is organizing the tree plantation program at Jalbinayak area of Chobhar, Kathmandu. Everyone is invited to attend the program.

The program details are given below.

Program Details:
Date : Thursday, June 5 2014
Gathering : 6:30 am sharp at Lainchour (In front of Malla Hotel)
Departure for Chobhar : 7 am sharp
Plantation : 8: 30 am onwards
Lunch : 11: 30 am
Departure for Kathmandu : 1:00 pm

Nepal has no escaping to climate change

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 06:40:00 +0000

Concerning the temperature rise and the risk of global climate change, Nepal and its surrounding periphery countries are on the hot topic of being victims of global warming. As the latest update from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) writes the changes of global warming will affects the economic growth that will trickle its effects on food supply, poverty and overall development of the country at large.

The report highlights the most vulnerable region to be the Himalayan Glaciers that are at the stage of loosing its half and two-thirds of their mass by 2100. This not only means devastation in the ecology, but practically impossible for the supporting ecosystem to survive. Six of the glacier lakes have been identified as extremely vulnerable, which at this rate are melting and pose a huge threat. If preventive measures are not taken then it will result in huge losses of properties as well as casualties.

With the temperature rise the weather pattern of Nepal has instigated an increase in an unpredictable climate of floods and cyclones where the productivity of farmers is getting affected hugely. The rise of the pest and unusual dry winter has slashed the agricultural productivity where the country’s economy sets back with minimum yield in the absence of proper conditions.

Changing the overall outlook, there is very much that Nepal can do in terms of mitigation, but with a small action plan it can change the impact of action in an alteration for its reaction taking prominent action with the adaptation strategy for climate change. Looking at its contribution to the global greenhouse gas emissions Nepal bears is a tiny fraction of not even a percent, but it bears a huge impact of climate change in context of its action.

Every year, millions of dollars are pledged to Nepal in the name of ‘climate change adaptation’ by major greenhouse contributors like China, the US, the EU and India, but in real practice only a fraction of the money promised is passed on for adaptation.
Though adaptation it is just a short term remedy for relieving the problem no specific remedy is being developed highlighting the mitigation strategy. Kyoto Protocol certainly highlighted a reliable solution, but it was majorly affected by lack of interest and practice, especially in terms of developed nations and their interest. For longer lasting solution till the time the GHSs contributors reduces their carbon footprint things won’t change and for a developing nation like Nepal has no voice except to look for option of adaptation options.

Nepal Government allocated 10.34% of its budget for the 2013—2014

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:51:00 +0000

Kathmandu: The government of Nepal in its latest Budget of 517.24 billion Nepal rupee (around US$ 5.3 billion) has allocated 10.34 per cent of its budget for the 2013—2014 fiscal year to climate funding, Nepal being one of the least developed countries face huge challenges in regards to climate change.

The budget incorporates climate codes, making official an analytical framework to calculate government funds channelled for programmes related to climate change, the outlay for which has increased substantially this year.

"Although the figures for last year were not published, internal calculations told us that funds for climate change comprised 6.7 per cent of the Nepal rupees 404.82 billion (US$ 4.16 billion) budget compared to 10.34 per cent for a larger budget this year," said Madhukar Upadhya, advisor for the Poverty and Environment Initiative — a UNDP-UNEP programme with Nepal’s National Planning Commission (NPC).

COP19 faces new challenges for least developed countries like Nepal

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:24:00 +0000

The 19th UN climate change conference Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) is being held in the Poland capital Warsaw from November 11-22. With high expectation this year the Nepali Delegation team lead the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at CoP19. The delegation not only faces huge responsibilities of raising voice against the climate change effects but at diplomacy level it also hold responsibilities of securing funds for combating climate change effects in the region. In last December, Nepal was officially granted the leadership of the LDC group for the year 2013-14.

Nepal currently represents 49 LDCs at a global forum overcoming the different climate change issued faced both at mitigation and adaptation stages.

The conference has been participated by 200 countries where climate change diplomacy is going on to
negotiate a new agreement in due replacement of the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol.

At the launch of the report, IPCC Working Group 1 co-chair Thomas Stocker informed: “Global surface temperature change for the end of the 21st century is projected to be likely to exceed 1.5°C relative to 1850 to 1900 in all but the lowest scenario considered, and likely to exceed 2°C for the two high scenarios. Heat waves are very likely to occur more frequently and last longer. We have nearly crossed the threshold of the projected world average temperature rise of 1.5°C. The IPCC report further states that it is 95 percent certain that human induced climate change is increasing temperature, glacier melting, sea level rise and extreme weather events globally."

In this context, COP19 needs to urgently deliver on a number of fronts to tackle the problem both in the long and short terms. The LDC Group highlighted that this COP would have to deliver on four major fronts:
1) Reducing carbon emission so that the world is on a relatively safer path;
2) Increasing the level of finance for the developing countries to address climate impacts;
3) Establishing an international mechanism on loss and damage to address issues not covered under adaptation;
4) Agreeing on a clear road map on how the negotiations will progress to produce a deal in 2015. All these issues are seen as politically thorny and are likely to invite heated negotiations when the conference starts next week.

Securing climate change fund, the conference also facilitates the implementation of its National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA). The NAPA, approved by the government in 2010, is a US $ 350 million program, which, under several sectors and profiles, aims at empowering the local people to adapt to climate change.

In addition to securing climate change fund for the NAPA´s implementation, Nepal is responsible for raising common issues of the LDCs, too. While some LDCs, like Nepal, are mountain countries and face risks of climate-induced disasters, including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), other countries, like Bangladesh, face threats from rising sea-level.

Himalayas are getting warmer

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 09:09:00 +0000

The Himalayas are getting warmer at a rate of 0.6 °C each decade, three times the global average. Rainfall there is increasing at a rate of 65 millimetres per decade and the monsoon season is getting wetter. However, winters are getting drier

As a result of the warming, most Himalayan glaciers are retreating rapidly. Glacier lakes are becoming larger and more numerous, inundating pastures and threatening downstream communities. The changing climate is also “taking a toll on alpine pastures and forests. Some plants are shifting to higher altitudes, others are on the verge of extinction, and the incidence of invasive species is rising. If the warming trend persists, we will see drastic changes in the ecosystems, with devastating consequences on biodiversity and the livelihood of mountain communities.

Climate Change Name

noreply@blogger.com (Shreedeep Rayamajhi) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:22:00 +0000

From the past, Climate change devastation have been named after normal names. How about naming it after the policy makers who deny climate change policies coz you don't want your name to be cursed

So politicians be aware !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!