Behind Nepal’s Demand for Compensation After Devastating Floods
Why in News
Nepal has called for greater international support and compensation following devastating floods, highlighting the disproportionate climate burden faced by vulnerable Himalayan countries despite their limited historical contribution to global emissions.
Key Highlights
- Nepal is highly vulnerable to floods, landslides, glacier-related hazards and other climate induced disasters due to its fragile Himalayan geography.
- The issue highlights the principle of climate justice, under which countries contributing relatively little to historical emissions can face severe climate impacts.
- Major emitters such as the United States, China and India contribute significantly to global emissions, while Nepal’s share remains very small.
- The UN Loss and Damage Fund was established to support developing countries facing climate related losses, but concerns remain over the adequacy and accessibility of financial assistance.
- Nepal’s demand forms part of the wider debate on whether climate finance should extend beyond conventional development aid towards fair compensation for unavoidable climate related losses and damages.
Way Forward
Climate finance must be made predictable, additional and accessible, with greater priority given to highly vulnerable developing countries. India and Nepal should also strengthen regional cooperation on transboundary rivers, early warning systems, climate resilient infrastructure and Himalayan ecosystem conservation.