Introduction
Nepal, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is at a critical juncture as it grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change. The interplay between rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and human activity has precipitated an increase in climate-induced disasters, including floods, landslides, and droughts. Over the years,these catastrophic events not only threaten the livelihoods of millions but also pose a severe risk to the country’s rich biodiversity and unique habitats, highlighting an urgent need for effective adaptation and resilience-building strategies.
The Rising Tide of Climate-Induced Disasters
In recent years, Nepal is increasingly facing the dire consequences of climate change, manifested through a rise in the frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters. These events not only threaten human lives but also jeopardize the country’s rich biodiversity and socio-economic stability.
i. Flooding and Landslides
In September 2024, Nepal experienced devastating flooding and landslides, particularly in the Kathmandu and Panauti valley, where heavy rainfall led to the overflow of rivers. The disaster resulted in over 200 fatalities and the displacement of thousands, illustrating the vulnerability of urban and semi-urban communities to extreme weather events. The destruction of critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, exacerbates humanitarian crises by hindering access to essential services.
ii. Droughts and Water Scarcity
Conversely, drought conditions have become more prevalent, particularly in the Terai region. Erratic rainfall has led to significant water shortages, resulting in crop failures of staple foods like rice and wheat. Reports indicate that the increased likelihood of prolonged droughts threatens food security for millions of Nepalese (Karki, 2023). Farmers in these regions face dire consequences, with livelihoods hanging in the balance.
iii. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
The retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas has given rise to glacial lakes that pose a risk of outburst floods. In 2021, a notable GLOF in the Langtang Valley resulted in flooding that swept away homes and infrastructure, impacting local communities. As glaciers continue to melt, the frequency of such events is expected to rise, posing a dual threat to both human settlements and fragile ecosystems.
iv. Extreme Weather Events
The unpredictability of monsoon rains has intensified, leading to extreme weather patterns. In August 2021, flash floods and landslides occurred in districts such as Sindhupalchok and Dhading, displacing thousands and resulting in significant economic losses. The increasing severity of these events raises alarms about the resilience of communities, particularly those heavily dependent on agriculture (World Bank,2022).
Socioeconomic Impacts of climate- induced disasters
Climate change significantly affects the socio economic landscape of Nepal, impacting agriculture, health, livelihoods, and migration patterns. As the country grapples with the consequences of climate-induced disasters, it faces escalating challenges that threaten its development.
1. Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal’s economy, with around half population reliant on it for their livelihoods. Erratic weather patterns, including unseasonal rainfall and prolonged droughts, threaten agricultural productivity. For instance, the world bank reported that the 2020 monsoon season brought heavy rains, which severely affected rice crops in the Terai region, leading to a 20% drop in production. Such declines exacerbate food insecurity, leaving many rural households vulnerable to malnutrition and poverty.
2. Economic Losses and Livelihood Disruptions
Natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, result in significant economic losses and disrupt livelihoods. The World Bank noted that Nepal faced two major climate disasters within a single year, 2021, leading to widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges (World Bank,2022). This infrastructure damage isolates communities and hampers access to markets, negatively impacting local economies and family incomes.
3. Health Impacts
The health consequences of climate change are also profound. Extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions can lead to the emergence of various health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. For example, following floods, the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, increases due to contaminated water supplies. The recent floods in 2024 saw a spike in waterborne illnesses, straining already limited health resources (Al Jazeera).
4. Migration and Displacement
Climate change is a driving force behind migration and displacement in Nepal. Communities affected by climate-related disasters are often forced to relocate, seeking better living conditions and economic opportunities. A study by Karki,2023 highlighted that rural populations are increasingly migrating to urban centers, straining urban resources and contributing to overcrowding . This urban influx often leads to informal settlements lacking basic services, further entrenching poverty.
Biodiversity and Habitat Loss :Silent crisis in Nepal
Nepal, with its stunning landscapes and rich ecosystems, faces a silent crisis as climate change exacerbates biodiversity and habitat loss. The country’s unique flora and fauna are increasingly under threat from rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and human activities, making immediate action essential.
Threats to Unique Ecosystems
i. Nepal’s montane forests, which harbor diverse species such as the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and various medicinal plants, are experiencing severe habitat degradation. These forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and supporting local livelihoods. However, as temperatures rise and deforestation continues, species dependent on these habitats face food scarcity and increased vulnerability. The Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),2024 indicates that approximately 31% of forest species are at risk due to habitat loss linked to climate change).
ii. Wetlands, particularly the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, are critical habitats for migratory birds and aquatic life. Climate change, combined with agricultural expansion and urbanization, leads to wetland degradation, diminishing biodiversity and disrupting vital ecosystem services such as flood control and water purification. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted that wetland loss not only threatens species like the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) but also the livelihoods of communities relying on these ecosystems for sustenance.
iii. The freshwater ecosystems of the Terai region are also under threat. Species such as the critically endangered gharial crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus) face habitat loss due to climate-induced changes in river flows and increased sedimentation from landslides. Moreover, the Himalayan mahseer fish, vital for local fisheries, is suffering from altered water temperatures and pollution, threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities (Bhattarai, 2023)
Historical Context of Biodiversity Loss
The history of biodiversity loss in Nepal reveals a troubling trend accelerated by climate change. The endemic spiny babbler (Turdoides nepalensis), for example, is facing a decline in its habitat due to both climate impacts and human encroachment. The Stocktaking Study on Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Nepal emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to protect such vulnerable species (Karki,2023)
Invasive species pose another significant threat. Climate change can facilitate the spread of invasive plants like Lantana camara, which outcompete native flora and degrade habitats. This challenge underscores the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasive species on local ecosystems (Practical Action,2021).
Specific Case Studies
i. Shree Ganga Forests: This forest area in the mid-hills of Nepal is experiencing severe biodiversity loss as climate change and deforestation take their toll. Key species, such as the medicinal plant Aconitum, are vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, threatening their survival and traditional uses (UNFCCC, 2023).
ii.The Himalayan Blue Poppy: Known for its beauty, this iconic flower is at risk due to shrinking alpine habitats caused by rising temperatures. Research indicates changes in flowering patterns jeopardizing its reproduction, illustrating the broader impacts of climate change on specialized species (Bhattarai,2023).
iii. Medicinal Plants: Many endemic medicinal plant species are being adversely affected by climate change. For example, Swertia chirayita, used in traditional medicine, faces habitat loss due to climate variability and overharvesting. These changes can have profound effects on local healthcare practices and livelihoods (ICIMOD, 2021)
The Interconnection Between Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Climate change and biodiversity are intricately linked, with each influencing the other in significant ways. In Nepal, a country characterized by its diverse ecosystems and unique species, the impacts of climate change pose severe threats to biodiversity, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
a.Ecosystem Functions and Services
Ecosystems provide essential services such as clean air and water, pollination, and climate regulation. However, climate change disrupts these services, leading to adverse effects on biodiversity. For example, forests act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In Nepal, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns have led to forest degradation, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. This degradation threatens both the flora and fauna that depend on these habitats, as highlighted in the National Adaptation Plan of Nepal, which emphasizes the importance of forest protection to enhance resilience (UNFCCC, 2023).
b.Species Vulnerability
Different species exhibit varying capacities to adapt to climate change, making some more vulnerable than others. For instance, the Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia), a species endemic to the region, faces potential extinction as its alpine habitat shrinks due to rising temperatures. Studies indicate that altered flowering patterns threaten its survival, illustrating the direct impact of climate change on specific species (Bhattarai,2023).
Similarly, the Himalayan mahseer fish, vital to local fisheries, is affected by glacial retreat, which alters river flows and water temperatures. The decline in mahseer populations poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of fishing communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate health and human well-being (Karki,2023).
c.Habitat Fragmentation
Climate change exacerbates habitat fragmentation, making it difficult for species to migrate or adapt. In Nepal’s Terai grasslands, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and climate change increases fragmentation, putting species like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros at greater risk of extinction (Practical Action, 2021). As habitats become isolated, populations can become genetically isolated, reducing their ability to adapt to environmental changes.
d.Feedback Loops and Ecosystem Resilience
The cumulative effects of biodiversity loss and climate change create feedback loops that further exacerbate these issues. As ecosystems degrade, their ability to provide essential services diminishes, leading to increased vulnerability for local communities reliant on these services. The Stocktaking Study on Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Nepal underscores the need for integrated approaches to tackle both biodiversity and climate change, highlighting that losses in biodiversity can heighten communities’ susceptibility to climate-related disasters (Karki,2023)
Policy Responses and Initiatives
Nepal faces significant challenges due to climate change and biodiversity loss, prompting a range of policy responses and initiatives designed to enhance resilience and promote sustainable development.
i. National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) serves as a strategic framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to enhance climate resilience across sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and disaster management (UNFCCC, 2023). The NAP emphasizes integrating climate adaptation into local development plans, advocating for climate-resilient agricultural practices and effective disaster risk management.
ii. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan outlines Nepal’s commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable resource use. This plan identifies key biodiversity areas and strategies for habitat protection, including community involvement in conservation efforts (CBD).
iii. Community-Based Conservation Programs
Initiatives such as the Hariyo Ban Program and the Community Forestry Program play vital roles in biodiversity conservation. The Hariyo Ban Program, funded by USAID, focuses on reducing climate change impacts through forest conservation and community engagement (USAID). Similarly, the Community Forestry Program empowers local communities to sustainably manage forest resources, significantly restoring degraded areas and enhancing local livelihoods.
iv. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategies
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategy aims to minimize the risks associated with climate-induced disasters. The strategy includes enhancing early warning systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and fostering community preparedness for disaster events (World Bank).
v. Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives
Recognizing the vulnerability of its agricultural sector, Nepal promotes climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to enhance productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CSA practices include the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and improved irrigation techniques, aimed at building resilience in farming communities (FAO,2009).
Conclusion:
The dual challenges of climate change-induced disasters and biodiversity loss necessitate immediate and coordinated action. By prioritizing sustainable development, enhancing community resilience, and safeguarding natural habitats, Nepal can effectively address these intertwined crises. The support of the international community, combined with robust national policies, is essential to protect Nepal’s rich biodiversity and ensure the well-being of its people in the face of an uncertain climate future. The time to act is now, as the survival of both the nation and its diverse ecosystems hangs in the balance.
References:
Al Jazeera (2024): What caused the devastating floods in Nepal?
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/16/what-caused-the-devastating-floods-in-nepal
Bhattarai et.,al, (2023): How climate change is affecting biodiversity, including species distribution, habitat suitability, and ecosystem functions in Nepal: A case study.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 2014): Nepal’s Fifth National Report.
Economic Times (2024): Nepal floods and landslides cause widespread destruction; leads to 112 deaths.
https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/nepal-floods-and-landslides-cause-widespread-destruction-leads-to-112-deaths/amp_articleshow/113777890.cms
FAO (2009): Agriculture and climate change in Nepal.
https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/agp/AgBD_NAPA_report_NEPAL.pdf
ICIMOD (2021): Assessing and Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Nepal.
https://lib.icimod.org/record/35313/files/HimalDoc2021_WorkingPaper_AssessingAndAddressingClimate-inducedLossAndDamageInNepal_PracticalAction.pdf
Karki (2023): Stocktaking Study: Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Nepal.
https://nepjol.info/index.php/unityj/article/download/63182/48250/187390
Practical Action (2021): Assessing and Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Nepal.
https://lib.icimod.org/record/35313/files/HimalDoc2021_WorkingPaper_AssessingAndAddressingClimate-inducedLossAndDamageInNepal_PracticalAction.pdf
UNFCCC (2023): National Adaptation Plan of Nepal.
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/43_0.pdf
USAID (n.d.): Environment and Global Climate Change in Nepal.
https://www.usaid.gov/nepal/environment-and-global-climate-change
World Bank (2022): In Nepal, 2 Major Climate Disasters in a Single Year Highlight the Need to Build Resilience.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/03/28/in-nepal-2-major-climate-disasters-in-a-single-year-highlight-the-need-to-build-resilience
