Kathmandu- Minister of Forest and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato expressed that all the concerned associations and the Government of Nepal should work together to get compensation for the effects of climate change on the country. Sath Sathai organized a climate change-related conference collaborating with the Government of Nepal and UN Women Nepal on Friday. Dr. Mahato informed us that the government is preparing to achieve a lot in the upcoming COP-28.
Forest Minister, Mahato exclaimed, "Previously, the climate conferences were more like seminars and foreign visits." However, the government has made extensive preparations for the upcoming COP-28, and this time Nepal will have its own 'pavilion' (The Great Mandala) at a cost of US$ 100,000. The pavilion will discuss Nepal-related topics and provide information on the country's mountains and the efforts it has made to preserve them.
He asserted the effects on women and children by climate change, and said, 'Women are always involved in household chores and agricultural works whereas men work outside of the household or go for foreign employment. Due to this, women and children are more vulnerable to disasters caused by climate change.' He conveyed that women and children should be prioritized first in climate-induced risks.
Patricia Fernandez-Pacheho, the Country Representative of UN Women Nepal, highlighted the importance of inclusiveness in Nepal’s works for climate change. She praised the steps taken by Nepal to reduce the effects of climate change and further added, "We are willing to work together with the Government of Nepal to solve the problems of women and communities who are at risk due to the effects of climate."
Prajita Karki, President of the Sath Sathai organization, informed us about the work being done by the organization. She brought up the responsibility we all have on our shoulders to protect the habitable earth for future generations. Furthermore, she pointed out that climate change is having a severe impact on agriculture and soon we might face a food crisis. President Karki also mentioned ongoing efforts to coordinate central and local climate policies in preparation for COP-28 in Dubai, where world leaders will convene in the coming months.
Head of the Climate Change Management Division, Buddhi Sagar Poudel highlighted that the government and relevant agencies should work together to achieve a carbon-zero state by 2045.
Climate expert, Sama Shrestha noted that women and children bear the brunt of climate impacts, highlighting its adverse effects on sexual and reproductive health. Manjit Dhakal, another climate expert, pointed out that global temperature rise has triggered observable climate changes leading to disasters. He stressed the urgent need to begin carbon emissions reduction, although challenges persist due to differing stances among nations.
Expert Divya Gurung expressed concern that women often miss out on decision-making discussions, occupied by household chores. Climate expert Raju Pandit Chettri emphasized the necessity for collective action to mitigate climate change's effects.
