KATHMANDU: Dubbing climate change as the greatest global threat, experts and youths have emphasized policy and individual action to mitigate it.
Climate change, they said, leads to an increase in extreme weather conditions, rising temperatures, spread of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, among others.
Taking part in an interaction on “Role of Youth in Tacking Climate Change” jointly organized by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR) and Institute for Social and Environmental Transition- Nepal (ISET-N) at the Pavilion Hall in Kathmandu on Wednesday, they said that the government and other stakeholders need to act for a healthy future.
It may be noted that the impacts of climate change have already caused damage to human health and ecosystems.
Presenting his views at the program, Dr. Bindu Lohani, Advisor to Institute for Integrated Development Studies, said youths should not show reluctance to tackle climate change to ensure a problem-free future.
He said the agenda of climate is vast but everyone has to act.
“Floods in Sindhupalchowk and the recent rainfall in Nepal are either due to the effects of climate change or deforestation,” he said adding that this needs a detailed study.
Stating that there is a lack of research in Nepal, he laid emphasis on conducting studies on Climate Risk Assessment.
He also said that the government should come with a commitment and a long-term policy, and focus on its implementation part.
It is, therefore, imperative to ensure public awareness and adaptation measures as one of the remedial actions to avoid bigger changes in the climate.
According to them, it was high time that people reminded themselves that they have solutions to this crisis.
The participants, mostly youths, said all concerned need to tread on the right approach to avert the worst effects of climate change.
They suggested the growth of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and plant-based diets, among others to mitigate the crisis.
Anjali Chalise, School and College Co-ordination at Nepalese Youth for Climate Action emphasized eco-friendly habits to tackle climate change.
Astha Kiran KC, co-founder at Avni Center for Sustainability said that advocacy and education are not enough to fight against climate change. “We need to act,” she added.
Comment