Experts and activists highlighted their concerns over the adverse effects of climate change in Nepal’s mountains. Experts and activists feared that Nepal’s mountain tourism could collapse in the near future.

Global environment correspondent of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Mr. Navin Singh Khadka today in a discussion program organized by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in Kathmandu, said, ‘‘The impact of global warming is visible in Nepal’s mountains and highlands. However, we lack the preparedness.’’

According to Mr. Khadka, finding decade-old dead bodies in Nepal’s Himalayas is the major sign of global warming impact. ‘‘Global warming is the major factor in melting ice on mountains. Nepal’s mountains are also threatened by strong winds. We are experiencing rainfalls instead of snow in Nepal’s mountains and highlands,’’ he said, ‘‘This is the main reason for finding the decade-old dead bodies in Nepal’s mountains.’’

Mr. Khadka urged all the concerned parties to work towards a common goal for the betterment of Nepal’s mountain tourism. ‘‘At least big countries have agreed to establish loss and damage funds. However, as I understand, it’s almost impossible for Nepal to gain such funds for various reasons,’’ He added, ‘‘Nevertheless, I can be hopeful about it and we all should work with a common goal for our nature.’’

‘‘Science has indicated that reducing carbon emissions by around 45 percent is necessary by 2030 to prevent global warming from exceeding 3 degrees Celsius. However, the current trend is showing an increase of 12% in carbon emissions. This issue has brought criticism to rich countries for providing subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. This issue is causing the thinning and retreating glaciers, causing the destabilization of the entire geography of Nepal as well as the world. The rising temperature and precipitation are increasing the occurrence of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides over moraine-dammed lakes. Additionally, dust from the Sahara Desert is being carried to the snowy mountains of Nepal by wind factors. GHGs are the main culprit for these environmental changes, so reducing emissions is crucial. However, adaptation is equally important, if not more important, for vulnerable countries like Nepal, given the speed of change and impacts being seen. It is necessary to reach all spheres and levels of society, and rich countries have started to focus on adaptation as well.’’

                                                                                                                                       - Navin Singh Khadka

At the same event, Nepali tourism expert Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa also shared his knowledge regarding the changes brought by global warming and climate change in Nepal’s highlands.

‘‘Earthquakes, Avalanches, and floods are very frequent which destroy houses and make living conditions hard as a result of migration of the people around the area is becoming more and more common. In order to protect the environment in the Himalayan region, the effort for conservation and sustainable development is urgent and more research programs should be carried out for preserving Nepal’s highlands.’' 

- Ang Tshering Sherpa

NMA organized the discussion program between representatives of concerned organizations to highlight the importance of knowing global warming impacts.

Representatives from ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development), WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Nepal, and other tourism umbrella organizations participated in the program. Senior Vice President Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey chaired the program.

Convenor of the NMA Environment Conservation Committee Mr. Singi Lama welcomed and the President of NMA Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa extended his gratitude to all the guests and participants. The General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal moderated the program.