Flood-ravaged Nepal pushes for climate deal with India, China

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has proposed a climate alliance with neighboring India and China to address catastrophic flooding and protect the Himalayan ecosystem. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Shah emphasized the transboundary nature of climate impacts, stating, "Glaciers and floods do not travel with stamps and passports." As an immediate action, Nepal suggests establishing a "Himalaya climate resilience mechanism" led by the three nations. The goal is to transform the Himalayas into a hub for international cooperation on climate issues, rather than a region of isolated efforts. This initiative comes in the wake of severe flooding that has devastated Nepal.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the UN General Assembly, describing the devastating August flood in his country as a "warning to the world" and urging global leaders to take more decisive action on climate change. The flood, triggered by a glacial collapse, resulted in at least 1,453 deaths and left thousands missing or rescued. Shah highlighted that Nepal, which contributes minimally to climate-changing gases and relies heavily on hydropower, is disproportionately affected by the crisis. Researchers attribute the disaster to a "compound crisis" influenced by long-term warming and geological instability, emphasizing that vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.