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Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change |
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A report of Ministry of Population and Environment was submitted to the secretariat of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) which states that Nepal being mountainous and challenging topography and socio-economic conditions make it highly vulnerable to climate change. Nepal is a party to UNFCC, a treaty, which aims 'to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.' According to the report, under various climate change scenarios for Nepal, mean annual temperatures are projected to increase between 1.3-3.8 degree Celsius by the 2060s and 1.8-5.8 degree Celsius by the 2090s. The annual precipitation reduction is projected to be at the range of 10 to 20 % across the country. Changes in hydrological cycle and the depletion of water resources are some of the top environmental challenges facing Nepal due to global warming.The total estimated ice reserve in himalayas between 1977 and 2010 has decreased by 29 % (129 cubic kilometre). The number of glacier lakes has increased by 11 % and glaciers recede on an average by 38 square kilometre per year lead to increased potential for glacier lake out burst flood hazards. It is estimated that a temperature rise of 4 degree Celsius can result in the loss of 70 % of snow and glacier area due to melting of snow and ice leading to the faster development of glacier lakes. Forests of Nepal have been shrinking mainly because of anthropogenic activities. Present study shows that in future forests will have to face additional threats of climate change. According to Holdridge vegetation classification, presently Nepal has 15 types of vegetation whereas there will be a only 12 types of vegetation under doubling of CO2 climatic conditions when there is a rise of temperature up to 5.8 degree Celsius. Nepal, with the exception of some isolated parts, has become warmer. The data on temperature trends from 1975 to 2005 showed 0.060 degree Celsius rise in temperature annually whereas mean rainfall has significantly decreased on an average of 3.7 mm (-3.2 %) per month per decade. Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and has suffered from increased frequency of extreme weather events such as landslides, floods, droughts soil erosion, avalanche resulting to the loss of human lives as well as high social and economic costs. References http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nepal-highly-vulnerable-to-climate-change-says-report/ http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/nepnc1.pdf |
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3 Comments
Yes.. the behavior and attitude change is very necessary to combat and cope with climate change. Because until people participation is must to carry out the actions well.
Posted 24-02-2016 03:08
Yes, our activities determine it and measures to reduce global warming and climate change need to be adapted soon before it's too late. Thanks for commenting Rohan :)
Posted 14-02-2016 03:19
Global warming will hit us in all the countries including Nepal. Its' better to takes measures in advance.
Posted 13-02-2016 18:12