KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has stressed that all countries must honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement to combat climate change and contain the rise in global temperatures.
Inaugurating a regional conference of parliamentarians from the Hindu Kush Himalaya in Kathmandu on Sunday, President Paudel urged developed, developing, poor, and industrial nations alike to work collectively to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Expressing concern over the rapid temperature rise in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, he noted that accelerated snowmelt has worsened flooding and erosion downstream.
“Climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution are no longer limited to scientific reports but have become harsh realities of our lives,” he said, calling the conference a historic opportunity to shape a roadmap for a sustainable common future.
Highlighting the region’s ecological importance, the President reminded delegates that over two billion people depend on water originating in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. “This region is rich in biodiversity, and its protection strengthens ecosystems. Without it, food security, culture, and economies will face severe consequences,” he warned.
President Paudel also outlined Nepal’s own climate actions, including disaster early warning systems, hydropower cooperation, promotion of solar energy, community forestry, wildlife monitoring, electric mobility, expansion of protected areas, and efforts to curb industrial emissions.
Still, he cautioned that adaptation and resilience efforts remain insufficient without stronger policies and collaboration. Paudel expressed hope that the parliamentary dialogue would be institutionalized and foster long-term cooperation to address shared climate challenges.
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