Kathmandu, May 17: As the snowy peaks that once defined Nepal’s identity face a troubling future, the country has launched the Everest Dialogue to raise global awareness about the devastating effects of climate change on the Himalayas.

Inspiring songs like “Phool Manjari” by Junu Rijal Kafle, made famous in the voice of Ramkrishna Dhakal, paint a vivid picture of Nepal’s snow-covered mountains. But now, the lyrics are tinged with sadness, as the snow vanishes and bare black stones emerge.

Tourism entrepreneur Angchiring Sherpa, now in his 70s, recalls a time when the mountains “shone white” all year. “Now, the snow is thinning. If this continues, tourists will stop coming,” he warns, fearing a collapse of Nepal’s mountain tourism industry.

In Mustang, Ringjin Namgel Gurung, chair of the Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality, says it hasn’t snowed in five years. “Our Seto Himal is no longer white,” he says. The psychological impact of this loss is growing in local communities.

In Khumbu, home to Mount Everest, Tasi Lhamu Sherpa, vice-chair of the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, highlights another growing concern: migration caused by climate disasters. “We’re paying the price for mistakes made by developed nations,” she said.

Yangi Dolma Sherpa, a local from Thameki, insists climate issues must take center stage in global conversations. “We’ve contributed the least to climate change, but we are the worst affected,” she said.

The Everest Dialogue brings together representatives from over 36 countries. It aims to present ground realities—like glacial retreat, disappearing snow, and rising local temperatures—to the international community.

Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Management Division and member secretary of the Everest Dialogue Secretariat, emphasized that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has listed the Himalayan region among the most vulnerable.

“The goal is to form a shared understanding of mountain climate threats and build climate resilience,” he said. He stressed that global cooperation is vital to preserve the mountains—not just for Nepal, but for all of humanity.

The Everest Dialogue is not just a conversation; it’s Nepal’s urgent plea for climate justice.