Nepal Urges Compensation from Major Emitters Following Devastating Floods

Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shisir Khanal, has called upon China, the United States, and India—three of the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitters—to take responsibility and compensate the nation in the wake of a devastating flood that has claimed over a thousand lives. This plea came just days after a catastrophic incident in the Rasuwa district, located along Nepal’s border with China, where flash floods resulted in 1,003 fatalities, with 987 confirmed deaths in Nepal alone.

The tragic event unfolded due to a glacial collapse, which unleashed a torrent of water and debris into the region. The United States Geological Survey highlighted that residents were caught off guard, as there had been no rainfall or warning signs prior to the disaster.

In an interview with Kantipur TV, Minister Khanal described the flood as a “catastrophic mountain tsunami,” attributing such extreme weather events to the overarching issue of global climate change. He emphasized that Nepal’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions are minimal, yet the country bears the brunt of a crisis it did not instigate. “We are paying the ultimate price for a global crisis we did not create,” he stated, underscoring the inequity of the situation.

The urgency of Minister Khanal’s remarks comes amid rising concerns about climate change’s impact on vulnerable regions like Nepal, which is ill-equipped to handle such disasters. The country has suffered significant losses not only in human life but also in infrastructure and livelihood, further complicating its path to recovery.

Globally, as of 2024, China accounts for approximately 33.1% of total carbon emissions, with the United States and India following closely. This disproportionate share of emissions raises questions about the responsibility of these nations to support countries like Nepal, which find themselves on the frontline of climate change consequences. As climate discussions intensify internationally, the plea from Nepal highlights a critical need for accountability and equitable solutions.

Source: scroll.in