Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to tackle the multifaceted issues stemming from climate change, health concerns, and social justice.
Speaking at an event titled “South and South Asian Regional Research and Innovation Center for Climate Change, Health and Equity,” Prime Minister Prachanda highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change-induced challenges such as disease outbreaks, malnutrition, pollution, and natural calamities.
He stressed the importance of localized initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health and the environment, emphasizing the utilization of research, innovation, and indigenous knowledge to strengthen healthcare systems and communities.
Acknowledging the global impact of climate change, Prime Minister Prachanda underscored the need for concerted efforts to combat its effects on society, health, and ecosystems.
He cited climate scientists’ warnings about the imperative to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of least developed and mountainous countries like Nepal to climate-related risks.
Highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters such as landslides, floods, forest fires, glacial lake outburst floods, and droughts, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized their disproportionate impact on marginalized groups, including the poor, women, children, and indigenous communities.
Referring to recent reports indicating the loss of natural glaciers and a significant portion of global resources, Prime Minister Prachanda underscored the existential threat posed to biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal populations.
He also mentioned his advocacy efforts on behalf of least-developed countries in international forums such as the COP-28 in Dubai and the 78th United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the challenges posed by climate change.
