Nepal has started diplomatic efforts to seek climate compensation after deadly floods. The country wants compensation from major greenhouse gas emitting nations. Nepal says post-disaster assistance should represent moral responsibility, not donations. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal explained Nepal’s position on climate justice. According to Khanal, Nepal contributes very little to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the country faces severe climate impacts.
These impacts include rapidly melting glaciers and destructive mountain disasters.
Nepal calls climate damage a legal responsibility
In an interview with a local news channel, Khanal highlighted the global climate crisis. He said Nepal pays a heavy price for a problem it did not create. He described glacier melting and mountain disasters as direct outcomes of global climate change. The Kathmandu Post published parts of his interview. Khanal said Nepal wants to shift diplomacy from assistance toward justice.
He added that the issue involves legal and ethical responsibility, not charity.
Country plans to raise climate concerns globally
Furthermore, Khanal said Nepal will strongly raise this issue at international platforms. He said Nepal will seek compensation from countries causing the highest emissions. According to Khanal, this matter concerns the survival of civilisation. He warned that Himalayan glacier loss could threaten water security. He said more than two billion South Asian people depend on rivers like Ganga and Trishuli.
Additionally, Khanal said Nepal speaks for the wider South Asian civilisation.
Nepal identifies major greenhouse gas emitters
Khanal said the Finance Ministry officially sent climate compensation claims to international partners. He identified China, the United States, and India as major greenhouse gas emitters globally. According to him, these nations have historical responsibility toward vulnerable countries like Nepal. Meanwhile, India has repeatedly highlighted climate equality in global discussions. India points to its lower per capita emissions and stresses different national responsibilities.
India argues that historical emissions, development needs, and capacities should guide climate responsibilities.
Nepal seeks support through loss and damage fund
According to The Kathmandu Post, Nepal requested urgent financial support from the Loss and Damage Fund. The request followed a devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi river valley on August 26. The mechanism started at COP27 in 2022 and became operational at COP28.
Maheshwar Dhakal, a Joint Secretary in the Forest Ministry, shared this information.
He said Nepal requested assistance through this arrangement for the first time.
