The Fragile Majesty of the Himalayas: A Global Call to Action
As a young person from Nepal, I feel a profound connection to my roots and a deep sense of responsibility toward the landscapes that have shaped my identity. One question I often hear when meeting someone new from other countries is, “Have you ever climbed Mount Everest?” This question always makes me smile. While I haven’t climbed Everest, it speaks to the world’s admiration for the Himalayas, the towering peaks that define my homeland.
Growing up in Nepal, the Himalayas were more than just a stunning backdrop; they were a source of wonder, pride, and strength: a part of who I am. But as I step into climate negotiations, this pride is mingled with a sense of urgency. The future of these majestic mountains, their fragile ecosystems, and the millions of lives they sustain is at a tipping point. The need to act has never been greater, and I carry both hope and determination as I advocate for their protection.
The Himalayas: A Crisis Beyond Borders
The Himalayas, often called the "Third Pole," are the lifeblood of South Asia. These mountains, home to some of the world's largest glaciers, provide fresh water to rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong - rivers that sustain nearly two billion people. Yet, they are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate change is accelerating glacial melt at an alarming rate, threatening not only the mountains but also the water security, agriculture, and energy systems of a vast region.
The statistics are overwhelming. Nepal alone has identified 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. Each one is a ticking time bomb, capable of triggering catastrophic floods that could erase entire communities in moments. But the danger is not confined to Nepal; the ripple effects of these changes are global, impacting ecosystems, economies, and lives far beyond the Himalayas.
Loss and Damage: An Urgent Reality
For those of us living in mountain regions, loss and damage is not an abstract term, it is a lived experience. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and devastating prompting Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, and other cascading impacts. Croplands are being destroyed, livelihoods are vanishing, and centuries-old cultures are being uprooted. These are not isolated incidents, but rather, they are symptoms of a planet in crisis.
The loss is physical, yes, but it is also deeply personal. The Himalayas are intertwined with our lives, livelihood, and spiritual and cultural identities. To lose these mountains is to lose a part of who we are. The people of these regions have always lived in harmony with nature, but now, nature’s fury, fueled by human activities, is breaking that bond.
The Voices from the Global South
In international climate negotiations, I often feel the urgency of representing not just my country but all vulnerable communities in the Global South. The voices of mountain nations like Nepal are often overshadowed by discussions focused on industrialized nations. Yet, the impacts of climate change on mountains are disproportionately severe and far-reaching.
The Paris Agreement, while a landmark, falls short of addressing the specific challenges of mountain ecosystems. This oversight is a glaring gap in global climate policy. It is time for the world to recognize that the fate of the mountains is a bellwether for the health of the planet.
What We Must Do
The solutions are clear, but they require bold action. At the local level, we must invest in community-led adaptation measures: reforestation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable farming practices. Policies must prioritize the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges, which holds invaluable insights into living sustainably in these fragile ecosystems.
On the global stage, mountain-specific challenges must be integrated into climate frameworks. This includes targeted funding for adaptation projects through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund. Without this support, mountain nations cannot build the resilience needed to withstand the growing threats.
Scientific research must work hand in hand with the lived experiences of mountain communities to craft solutions that are both effective and inclusive. This is not just a regional issue; it isa global responsibility.
A Call to Action
The Himalayas are not just Nepal’s heritage, but also a shared legacy. Their glaciers feed rivers that cross borders, sustain ecosystems, and support millions of livelihoods. What happens here will ripple outward, affecting every corner of the globe. The urgency cannot be overstated: if we fail to act, the consequences will be catastrophic, not just for mountain communities but for all of humanity.
As I stand in climate negotiations in the UNFCCC process, I am reminded that these discussions are more than just policy debates and they are battles for survival. The Himalayas, with their beauty and fragility, are a stark reminder of what’s at stake. We cannot afford to wait. Every action, every decision, every moment counts.
The time for half-measures is over. Let’s rise together: youth, leaders, and citizens of the world- to protect the mountains that have stood for millennia. Their survival is our survival. Their future is our future. The Himalayas are not just peaks; they are a testament to the resilience of nature and the urgency of collective action. Let’s ensure they remain a symbol of hope for generations to come.
Prakriti Koirala is a Senior Researcher in Clim Adapt and communication co-lead of the Climate Leadership Initiative
