President Paudel Urges Global Unity to Combat Climate Change on World Environment Day
President Ramchandra Paudel has called on the global community to secure the future of the next generation by addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Speaking at an event organized at the President's Office on World Environment Day, President Paudel highlighted the significant challenges posed by rapid changes in glaciers and glacial lakes due to global warming, which have resulted in flash floods and landslides in downstream areas.
"Nepal and other countries around the world are grappling with crises caused by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. These crises cannot be resolved through individual efforts alone; unity is essential," stated President Paudel. He emphasized that the theme of World Environment Day, "Our Land, Our Future: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resistance," reflects common challenges and opportunities.
President Paudel also referenced UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' remarks on reducing Nepal's mountain crisis, high climate change risk, and climate-related issues affecting Nepal and other mountainous countries. He expressed concern over Nepal's negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and stressed the need for the global community to collaborate on addressing climate change impacts.
He noted that Nepal has been actively implementing various measures at the national level to mitigate climate change effects, which are also integrated into the government's policies and programs. President Paudel expressed confidence that the President Climate Change Management Programme would enhance adaptive capacity and reduce negative climate change impacts.
During the event, President Paudel initiated a tree plantation drive by planting a 'palas' sapling on the President's Office premises. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal also participated in the plantation activity. The occasion was attended by Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma, heads of security agencies, ambassadors from various countries, and heads of donor agencies.
