Nepal’s Climate Call: A Test for India
Context
Recent climate related disasters in Nepal have led Kathmandu to seek stronger mechanisms for loss and damage and climate finance, rather than depending mainly on conventional humanitarian assistance. The issue is important for India as both countries are part of the Himalayan ecological system, making climate risks, water resources and disaster management closely interconnected across borders.
Key Highlights
- Nepal is increasingly approaching climate related disasters through the lens of climate justice and loss and damage, rather than treating them only as conventional natural disasters requiring post-disaster relief.
- The Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to glacier retreat, permafrost degradation, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides and extreme rainfall. These hazards can have impacts beyond national boundaries.
- India faces the challenge of balancing its position regarding the historical responsibility of developed countries for climate change with the need for practical cooperation with vulnerable Himalayan neighbours.
- Regional institutions and mechanisms such as the New Development Bank, BIMSTEC and regional climate data networks can potentially complement global climate finance institutions by providing more locally responsive support.
- Greater India Nepal cooperation in early warning systems, satellite based monitoring, hydrological data sharing, disaster insurance and resilient infrastructure can help both countries address shared climate risks.
Key Concepts
- Loss and Damage: Climate related losses and damages that occur when mitigation and adaptation measures are insufficient to prevent harmful impacts, particularly in vulnerable countries.
- Climate Justice: An approach that focuses on fairness in the distribution of climate responsibilities, impacts, adaptation costs and financial burdens.
- GLOF: A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, which occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released, potentially causing destructive flooding downstream.
Way Forward
India can combine its role as a first responder with long term regional resilience building. Greater emphasis should be placed on climate-data sharing, disaster risk financing, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. At the same time, India can continue supporting stronger global mechanisms for addressing loss and damage.