Nepal Proposes Mountain-Focused Agenda for COP31 Climate Summit
Nepal and Bhutan seek formal UN recognition for mountain climate risks and financing.
1Formalizing Mountain Climate Agenda
Nepal and Bhutan have formally proposed a new agenda item titled 1.5°C Warming in Mountains for the COP31 summit in Antalya. This initiative seeks to integrate mountain-specific climate risks into the formal UN process, advocating for annual high-level dialogues, dedicated work programs, and improved access to international climate finance for fragile regions.
2Urgency of Glacial Disasters
The proposal follows the devastating August collapse of a glacial slope on the border with Tibet, which triggered massive flooding along the Bhote Koshi River. This disaster resulted in over 6,000 people dead or missing, causing an estimated $2.7 billion in physical damage and highlighting the immediate threats facing Himalayan ecosystems.
3Economic Burden of Climate Loss
Nepal faces severe economic strain as climate-induced disasters destroy infrastructure funded by international loans. The 2021 destruction of the $312 million Melamchi Drinking Water Project exemplifies this cycle, where the country remains responsible for debt repayment despite the total loss of development assets due to extreme weather events and flooding.
4Proposed Resilience Mechanism
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has advocated for a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism involving India, China, and Nepal. This collaborative framework aims to share satellite data, monitor glacial lakes, and strengthen cross-border early warning systems. Such regional cooperation is intended to mitigate the human and infrastructure casualties seen annually since 2020.
5Barriers to Climate Finance
Accessing international funds like the Green Climate Fund remains a slow, bureaucratic process for vulnerable nations. Nepal experienced a seven-year wait for project approval in 2025, underscoring the need for specific mountain-focused indicators. Formalizing the agenda could streamline technical support and enable faster, more effective responses to climate-induced environmental changes.
6Scientific Research and Vulnerability
While high mountain regions are recognized as fragile, the full extent of their vulnerability to warming remains under-researched. Nepal is calling for increased scientific studies and political discussions to bridge this knowledge gap. Linking rising temperatures to glacial melt is essential for securing global attention and necessary adaptation funding for mountains.
7Limitations of Current Support
Nepal has been provisionally allocated $21.6 million from the UN’s Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage following the Bhote Koshi disaster. However, this amount covers only a fraction of the $4.8 billion required for reconstruction. The delay in receiving these funds further complicates the country's ability to recover from climate-related destruction.
8Future of Mountain Advocacy
The inclusion of the mountain agenda at COP31 remains subject to ongoing consultations among governments. If adopted, it would mark a significant step toward institutionalizing mountain climate policy. Future discussions are expected to refine this framework, potentially shifting how international climate processes address the unique challenges faced by high-altitude, mountainous nations.