Nepal has submitted a request for $20 million (approximately €17.5 million) from the International Disaster and Damage Fund. Gita Chaudhary, Nepal's Minister of Environment, stated in an exclusive interview that this fund was established based on UN agreements to support countries facing irreparable damages due to climate change.
Flood and Landslide Damages
This request was made after the floods and landslides in August that claimed the lives of over 1,400 people and left thousands missing. Chaudhary said, "We have sent an official letter requesting this fund, and most countries have responded positively."
The floods and their damages have caused widespread destruction in Nepal, affecting homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing in several areas, and officials are assessing the full scale of the damages.
Pressure for Climate Justice
Chaudhary emphasized climate justice in her remarks, stating, "We do not need sympathy; we need justice. The major polluting countries must pay for climate disasters like the one we are facing." Nepal produces only 0.1% of global greenhouse gases, but its geography makes it highly vulnerable to the risks posed by climate change.
Chaudhary pointed to glacial melting and rising temperatures in the Himalayas as contributing factors to the deadly floods, saying, "Our evidence shows that this catastrophic event is due to climate change."
The Nepalese government is also strongly advocating for increased funding for climate adaptation and direct access to climate funds. Chaudhary stated, "We will no longer negotiate on vague promises or slow development aid."
This disaster has also sparked criticisms within Nepal, particularly regarding warning systems and crisis response. Chaudhary defended the government's response but acknowledged that existing systems were overwhelmed due to the scale of the disaster and that they are currently reviewing and strengthening these systems.
