Our weather is changing — So must we

KATHMANDU: As a Nepali citizen who has seen mountains lose their snowcaps and farmers pray longer for rain, I can no longer stay silent. Our beautiful country, cradled between two giants, is in a fragile state. Not just politically or economically — but environmentally. And this matters more than we think.

Every year, the monsoon comes late or floods come uninvited. Winters aren’t as cold, and summers feel like punishment. We talk about progress, but what is the cost of that progress if our rivers dry and our forests turn to dust?

Our roads are expanding, buildings are rising, and digital transformation is picking up. That’s good. But how many of those projects consider sustainable practices? How many trees are being replanted after destruction? How many communities are being educated about waste, water, and energy?

Climate change is not just a “global” issue anymore — it’s a local crisis. It is now our children gasping in polluted air, our farmers waiting for rain, our heritage sites cracking under changing weather.

It’s time Nepal rewrites its development story — not just for fast growth, but smart growth. A path that blends tradition and modernity, that values both roads and rivers, and that sees climate not as a charity cause but as a national priority.

Our leaders must understand this — but more importantly, we must demand it.

Nepal cannot afford to be a silent victim. It must be a bold voice.

Impacts of Climate Change on Nepal

1. Melting Himalayan Glaciers and Snowcaps
   Nepal’s iconic snow-covered peaks are losing their snowcaps at an alarming rate. This disrupts freshwater availability downstream, threatening rivers that millions depend on for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower.

2. Unpredictable and Erratic Monsoon Patterns
   Delayed monsoons and sudden, intense floods cause crop failures and landslides, devastating farming communities and rural infrastructure.

3. Reduced Agricultural Productivity
   Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and heat stress reduce yields of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat, threatening food security and farmer livelihoods.

4. Increased Incidence of Natural Disasters
   Floods, landslides, and droughts have become more frequent and severe, causing loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods.

5. Loss of Biodiversity and Forest Degradation
   Changing climate stresses forests and wildlife, leading to species loss and weakened ecosystems that provide vital services like clean air, soil retention, and carbon storage.

6. Water Scarcity and Quality Issues
   Reduced glacier runoff and irregular rains diminish water supply in dry seasons, while flooding and runoff contaminate water sources, risking public health.

7. Rising Temperatures and Health Risks
   Warmer weather contributes to heat stress, spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, and worsens air pollution in urban areas.

8. Threats to Cultural and Heritage Sites
   Climate-induced weather extremes damage ancient temples, monuments, and traditional settlements, eroding Nepal’s cultural identity.

9. Economic Loss and Increased Poverty
   Damage to agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure hampers economic growth and disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations.

10. Forced Migration and Social Instability
    Diminished natural resources and livelihood options force rural populations to migrate to cities or abroad, leading to urban crowding and social challenges.