Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has introduced a proposal for a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism aimed at addressing the escalating climate risks in the Himalayan region. The initiative, proposed during Shah’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, seeks collaboration between Nepal, India, and China to tackle the environmental threats posed by rising temperatures.
Shah emphasized the critical role of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which supports nearly two billion people with its water resources, ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihood opportunities. He underscored the increasing threats of glacier-related disasters, floods, and landslides as temperatures continue to rise.
The proposed mechanism involves sharing satellite data and technical expertise among the three nations, monitoring potentially dangerous glacial lakes, and enhancing joint early-warning systems. It also aims to coordinate cross-border assistance during disasters to improve preparedness for climate-related emergencies.
This proposal follows recent devastating floods in Nepal’s Himalayan region, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. Shah pointed out that these events highlight the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and international cooperation. He also called for increased support for Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts post-floods and expressed gratitude to India, China, and other countries for their assistance.