Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has emphasized that underdeveloped Himalayan nations like Nepal deserve priority access to compensation, biodiversity, and adaptation funds. These funds are crucial for addressing the damages caused by climate change.
Minister Pun called on developed countries to uphold their commitments and actively protect the world from the effects of climate change. He urged the global community to acknowledge and address the challenges faced by developing countries, including Nepal, which are disproportionately affected by climate change.
Speaking at the 12th ministerial meeting of the V-20 (a group of countries at risk due to climate change) in Washington, DC, USA, Minister Pun stressed the need for collective global commitment to mitigate climate-related risks. The Nepali Embassy in Washington DC reported his remarks.
Minister Pun highlighted the plight of Nepal’s poor and marginalized populations, who suffer from the effects of climate change. He drew attention to alarming impacts, such as the rapid melting of snow in the Himalayas, reduced water flow in glaciers, and an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Additionally, irregular rainfall patterns, floods, landslides, and droughts are intensifying.
Furthermore, Minister Pun emphasized that natural disasters resulting from climate change pose a threat to sustainable development, human health, and livelihoods. Despite contributing minimally to climate change, countries like Nepal face high risks. Therefore, Minister Pun stressed the importance of financial assistance from developed nations to support climate adaptation programs in third-world countries.
Minister Pun’s visit to the United States also included participation in the joint spring meeting of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
The V-20 is a body advocating for reducing climate change risks and promoting global awareness and action.
