Nepal is intensifying its call for major greenhouse gas-emitting countries to take action on climate change, following a flash flood that devastated the Himalayan nation in August. The flood is believed to have originated from a glacier landslide linked to global warming.
According to Nepali officials, the disaster caused severe loss of life and property, and exposed the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather events.
Nepal is among the countries that contribute least to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it bears the brunt of climate change impacts. Its government argues that major emitters must take greater responsibility for cutting emissions and supporting vulnerable nations.
The August flash flood has raised concerns about the growing risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region, as rising global temperatures cause glaciers to melt faster and create unstable high-altitude lakes.
Climate experts warn that the Himalayas, home to the largest concentration of ice and snow outside the two poles, is one of the most vulnerable hotspots to climate change. Disasters such as the Nepal flood are seen as a warning of increasingly severe consequences if the world fails to act in time.
Nepal's growing voice on the international stage reflects mounting pressure from developing countries on major emitters, as global climate negotiations continue to seek stronger commitments.
