After floods, Nepal minister demands 'climate justice'
With Nepal still reeling from the devastating floods in August, Kathmandu is calling for climate justice and seeking compensation from the UN-backed Loss and Damage Fund, Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary told DW.
Nepal is demanding $20 million from the international Loss and Damage Fund to aid in its recovery from devastating floods and landslides that claimed over 1,400 lives in August. Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary made the request in an exclusive DW interview, stressing the need for climate justice rather than mere sympathy. The floods, exacerbated by rising temperatures in the Himalayas, have devastated homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure.
While many countries have expressed support, Chaudhary argues that wealthier nations must pay for such disasters, given their substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Nepal, contributing only 0.1% of global emissions, is highly vulnerable to climate risks due to its geography. The minister emphasized the need for adaptation financing, direct access to climate funds, and stronger international commitments.
She highlighted that the recent disaster is due to climate change, citing melting glaciers, warming temperatures, and changes in mountain environments. Nepal aims to use the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Turkey to push for greater recognition of mountainous countries' challenges and to secure greater international support.
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