Nexus between climate change and environment

Climate study helps to forecast several outcomes, including the volume of rainfall that the current climate may generate and the degree to which sea levels will rise as a consequence of increased ocean temperatures. Studies offer valuable insights into the threats posed to human being and wildlife species and aids in pinpointing the regions most impacted locations by extreme weather events.
Climate change and environmental protection

Policy failure in climate change has led to catastrophic consequences, including sea level rise, ecosystem collapse, food and water insecurity, and threats to human health and wellbeing. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy presents opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green technologies.

Investing in climate solutions is an economic imperative. This is sad that climate change has disproportionately impacted the world’s poorest and most marginalized communities. Prioritizing climate adaptation and resilience is therefore, essential for reducing poverty, inequality, and vulnerability. There is no denying that addressing climate change requires protecting and restoring natural ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and oceans that provide critical services like carbon sequestration, flood protection, and biodiversity.

The habitat loss, changing climate conditions, and environmental degradation has caused many species at risk of extinction. Glacial lake outburst floods, pose a significant risk in Nepal. Research indicates that as glaciers retreat, water accumulates behind moraine dams, heightening the risk of catastrophic outbursts. These events have already inflicted significant damage and loss of life in the affected regions.
The protection of environment has helped preserve biodiversity, which is so essential for ecosystem stability and resilience. The world is witnessing significant economic losses through infrastructure damages, a reduction in agricultural yields and soaring costs for disaster response and recovery. Investing in environmental sustainability is therefore, a priority policy issue.

Key climatic and environmental problems in Kathmandu Valley

The valley’s bowl-like topography, which traps pollutants, intensifying health risks for residents, rapid urbanization, limited natural resources, increased threat to preserve rich cultural and historical heritage, environmental degradation impacting the economy and livelihoods as a result of tourism dependence are some of the issues that necessitate developing framework for mitigating climate change and environmental degradation in Kathmandu Valley. Also, Kathmandu Valley, as the heart of Nepal and a densely populated urban center, faces unique and pressing environmental challenges that also requires immediate and focused attention to mitigate the adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economy.
Air Quality and Health Issues

The Kathmandu Valley is facing severe impacts from climate change and environmental degradation, which threaten its socio-economic stability, public health, and natural ecosystems. The valley suffers from some of the worst air pollution globally, worsened by climate change. The city’s geography traps pollutants, and rising temperatures are predicted to exacerbate air quality by reducing rainfall, which is essential for clearing airborne contaminants. This pollution leads to serious health problems, including respiratory issues and increased mortality rates. Reports indicate that air pollution in Kathmandu accounts for around 5,000 deaths annually, highlighting a critical public health crisis.

Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) level had remained between ‘very unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’ levels. The WHO reports that pollution levels in Kathmandu are approximately 4.9 times higher than recommended limits, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and other health complications among residents. Air pollution and CO2 monitoring schemes needs to be immediately strengthened.

Flooding and Water Management

Although moderate rainfall is necessary in the valley, increased rainfall extremes due to climate change are leading to severe urban flooding in Kathmandu. This flooding results in significant socio-economic consequences, including damage to infrastructure, disruption of services, and increased vulnerability for the urban poor who often reside in flood-prone areas. The changing precipitation patterns complicate water management, affecting both drinking water supply and agricultural practices, which are vital for the local economy.

The valley is experiencing prolonged dry periods and reduced water availability, which directly impacts agriculture—a key livelihood for many residents. Decreased soil moisture and prolonged droughts can lead to crop failures, threatening food security and economic stability.
Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Degradation

Biodiversity loss and degradation of natural ecosystems is largely the result of Climate change in Kathmandu Valley. Landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, poses risks to both human settlements and natural habitats. This is largely because of the increased frequency of extreme weather conditions. The valley’s diverse ecosystems, which provide essential services like groundwater recharge and erosion control, are increasingly threatened, impacting both local communities and wildlife.

Impact

Women, indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups face a disproportionate burden from the effects of climate change. These populations frequently lack the necessary resources and support systems to effectively adapt to environmental shifts, resulting in compounded disadvantages that impact their health, limit economic opportunities, and reduce their resilience to climate-related disasters. We need to ensure the sustainability of the valley’s ecosystems and the well-being of its residents. The severe impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in the Kathmandu Valley present urgent challenges that require comprehensive strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
The global CO2 levels have reached unprecedented highs, and projections indicate a potential rise of over 3 degrees by the end of this century. The climate impact studies and economic analyses including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn that such a scenario would be disastrous, potentially reducing global GDP by 20 percent by 2050 and creating “life-threatening” conditions for three-quarters of the global population by century’s end.

The jet stream is a fast-moving air current in the upper atmosphere that affects weather patterns. Climate change is making these air currents more unpredictable, causing them to “meander” and leading to longer periods of extreme weather in different areas. A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications reveal scientists warning that changes in the jet stream could result in crop failures around the world, threatening food security and pushing an additional 80 million people into extreme hunger by 2050. It is clear that we cannot keep living unsustainably. To protect both humanity and our planet, we must take action and change our course now.

Trend

As we move into 2024, the trends indicate a critical year for climate action, marked by legislative advancements, corporate accountability, and a collective push towards sustainable practices. The integration of environmental considerations into business models and governance will be essential for addressing the ongoing climate crisis and its associated risks.

Cities play a crucial role in our efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, which is essential for creating a sustainable future for coming generations. To meet this target, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50% from 2010 levels by 2030. Achieving this will require significant and transformative changes in how we plan, design, build, and manage urban areas. Remember, climate change will reach every industry, office and home.

Summing-up

The interconnectedness of climate change and environmental degradation necessitates a swift shift towards sustainable practices. As climate change intensifies, it poses grave threats to biodiversity, water resources, and human well-being. To address this complex challenge, global collaboration, innovative solutions, and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for securing a healthy planet for future generations. To quote Kofi Annan – “The world is reaching a tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible”.
[Prof. Pyakuryal is a noted economist, prolific writer, economic and development consultant and former Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka]