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Nepal has proposed a regional climate cooperation mechanism involving India and China to improve disaster preparedness and scientific data-sharing as climate change intensifies risks across the Himalayas, the BBC reports.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah proposed a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism at the recent United Nations General Assembly, urging the three countries to strengthen cross-border disaster response and scientific cooperation.
Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt and permafrost thaw, increasing the risks of landslides, avalanches and glacial lake outburst floods. A March report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) found that glacier ice loss across the Hindu Kush Himalaya has accelerated, with the rate doubling since 2000 compared with 1974–1999.
However, longstanding border disputes between India and China and stalled cooperation on glacier research and river data-sharing pose challenges.
Experts suggest starting with practical steps, including sharing disaster-risk information, identifying vulnerable glacial lakes, establishing monitoring standards and exchanging emergency warnings.
Despite political differences, Nepal hopes the proposal will encourage its two neighbours to work together against climate threats that cross national borders.
Source : BBC