UAE (Dubai), Dec 4: The 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28) began in Dubai on November 30, emphasizing the pressing issues faced by mountainous regions. The conference, concluding on December 12, started by focusing on the impact of climate change on mountains globally.

During the opening session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, mentioning Nepal, stressed the increasing trend of melting glaciers due to the global temperature rise. Guterres, who visited Nepal before the conference and explored the base camps of Sagarmatha and Annapurna, highlighted the visible effects of climate change in mountainous areas, affecting local lives.

Prime Minister Dahal of Nepal, giving importance to mountain issues, hosted a high-level program to advocate for Nepal’s concerns. In his address, PM Dahal called for collective action to safeguard mountain regions, emphasizing that Nepal faces direct and unequal impacts of climate change despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions.

Aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goals, which aimed to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, concerns were raised about the anticipated rise in mountain area temperatures beyond 1.8 degrees Celsius before 2050. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of mountain icebergs could melt, posing significant threats to ecosystems.

Minister for Forest and Environment Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato expressed excitement about Nepal’s issues taking precedence at the conference. He noted that Nepal’s stance on climate change was firmly established during the event, highlighting the country’s proactive preparation for COP-28, initiated almost six months before the gathering. As the conference progresses, the global community is urged to consider the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions and take decisive actions to address the adverse impacts of climate change.