Nepal, a country rich in natural resources, faces countless damages from natural disasters. During the monsoon season, floods, landslides, and forest fires caused by excessive flows of rivers like the Rapti and Koshi inundate human settlements and farmland, resulting in significant losses every year. The issues related to these natural disasters are exacerbated by climate change. While monsoon rains are crucial for agriculture, climate change has made the rainfall patterns unpredictable. In 2023, late monsoon rains caused some areas to suffer from excessive rainfall, while others faced drought conditions. Rising temperatures increase the risks of glacier bursts, and the shrinking habitats of endangered species further intensify these problems.
Although Nepal contributes only 0.1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the most climate-sensitive countries in the world. In 2026, Nepal faced a severe climate crisis. An unprecedented rainfall of over 8 inches in a single day led to catastrophic floods, resulting in nearly 300 deaths and the displacement of over 10,000 families. The destructive impact of floods and landslides caused significant damage to infrastructure such as hydropower plants, bridges, schools, and approximately 95,000 hectares of farmland. Initial assessments estimated the losses at 13.4 billion rupees. This year, the flow of the Sapta Koshi River reached levels unseen in 50 years.
Forest fires in Nepal, particularly in recent years, are linked to climate change. The increase in temperature due to climate change contributes to longer droughts and altered rainfall patterns, leading to increased frequency and intensity of forest fires. These fires threaten wildlife and degrade air quality in many areas. Additionally, the rising temperatures in Nepal’s mountainous regions have accelerated glacier melting, posing significant risks to communities and environments downstream.
The effects of climate change are not limited to natural disasters; they also extend to human health. Diseases such as cholera and dengue have spread across Nepal due to incessant rains and high temperatures. Climate change impacts species, environments, and ecosystems from Nepal’s Terai to the Himalayas. Endangered and local wildlife face risks from changes in their ecosystems, while the proliferation of anthropogenic wildlife can be attributed to climate change. High-altitude animals like leopards have found suitable habitats due to climate change, which could lead to competition and risks to livestock due to the absence of predators.
Main Causes of Climate Change:
There are many causes of climate change, with the main contributors being deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, glacier melting, and unregulated urbanization. According to Mongabay, recent activities by activists in Siraha have indicated that deforestation and unregulated resource extraction in the Chure region are harming the environment. Such activities hinder groundwater recharge and lead to soil erosion.
Greenhouse gas emissions cause global temperatures to rise, resulting in irregular weather patterns, such as altered monsoon timings and severe flooding. The rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt and burst, leading to floods in some areas while creating drought conditions in others. In cities like Kathmandu, unplanned urban growth has resulted in inadequate drainage and flood management, increasing the likelihood of severe flood damage during heavy rainfall.
Efforts for Solutions:
Potential solutions may include:
- Afforestation in various locations
- Policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as COP26 and NAP
- Community-based fire management
- Investment in early warning systems
- Sustainable urban planning
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Transition to Greener energy resources
- International cooperation
Climate change is severely impacting human life, agriculture, tourism, and biodiversity in Nepal. Addressing this issue requires more concrete steps at both national and international levels to empower Nepal in combating climate change.
