International
oi-Prakash KL
Flood-hit Nepal has sought climate-related compensation from the US, India and China, the three biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. It has said that post-disaster assistance should not be considered “charity” but a matter of “moral liability”.
Speaking to Kantipur TV, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the Himalayan nation contributes “virtually negligible” greenhouse gas emissions but is suffering the disproportionate consequences of global warming, including rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters.
Following devastating August 26 flash floods, Nepal has formally sought climate compensation from major emitters US, India, and China, arguing it suffers disproportionate global warming impacts and requesting aid via the Loss and Damage Fund.
“We are paying the ultimate price for a global crisis we did not create. The rapid melting of glaciers and these catastrophic mountain tsunamis are direct consequences of global climate change,” PTI quoted him as saying in an interview with Kantipur TV, citing excerpts from the interview published by The Kathmandu Post.
Kathmandu is now gearing up to raise the matter at international forums to seek compensation from major emitters for climate-related losses suffered by vulnerable countries. The government is considering whether Prime Minister Shah should attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly to raise the issue of climate change and its impact on Nepal.
However, the Council of Ministers has decided to send Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to raise the issue at the international forum.
The flash floods, triggered by a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, destroyed towns and villages in northern and central Nepal on August 26.
“This is a matter of civilisational survival. If our Himalayan glaciers disappear, the water security of over two billion people in South Asia dependent on rivers like the Ganges and the Trishuli will be permanently compromised. We are advocating not just for Nepal, but for the survival of South Asian civilisation,” the minister said, adding that Nepal has sent a formal climate compensation claim letter to its international partners.
India has long advocated climate equity, arguing that countries’ responsibilities should reflect their historical emissions, development needs and capacity to act. It has also highlighted its relatively low per-capita emissions.
According to New Delhi, Western nations, having industrialised earlier, have used a disproportionate share of the global carbon budget. At the same time, India has backed international efforts to address loss and damage in vulnerable developing countries and urged developed nations to provide adequate climate finance to help them respond to such impacts.
Nepal has now formally sought urgent financial assistance from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage following devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi river basin on August 26, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The fund was agreed at COP27 in 2022 and became operational at COP28. Nepal’s application is reportedly the first request for assistance submitted under the mechanism.
India produces about 4.4 billion metric tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually, or roughly 7.3% to 8.3% of global emissions. China remains the largest emitter, accounting for about 29% to 33% of global CO₂ emissions, followed by the United States, whose annual emissions are nearly 6.2 billion metric tonnes, or around 12.7% to 15% of the global total.
Meanwhile, the death toll from Nepal’s flash floods has climbed to 1,127 on Wednesday, while 4,858 people remain missing, Nepal Police said.
