Is Nepal Prepared for Achieving Net Zero Emissions?

Nepal aims for net zero emissions by 2045, ahead of the global target of 2050, as it prepares to transition to a middle-income nation. Despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, Nepal faces significant climate challenges. The nation’s plans require substantial funding and a holistic approach to reconcile its developmental goals with sustainability aspirations.

As nations worldwide prioritize sustainable futures, the aspiration for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has emerged prominently. Nepal aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, ahead of the global target. Scheduled to graduate from least developed country status in November 2026, Nepal must balance its aspirations for economic growth with the challenges posed by its geographic and climatic vulnerabilities.

Despite contributing a mere 0.03 percent to global carbon emissions, Nepal faces severe impacts from climate change, including erratic rainfall and natural disasters that threaten rural livelihoods. The 2015 Paris Agreement mandates participation from all countries to curtail global warming. Nepal ratified this agreement and presented its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2016, outlining critical actions like clean energy development and sustainable practices.

A 2020 study revealed that Nepal struggled to meet several targets outlined in its initial NDC, citing barriers such as insufficient stakeholder engagement and a lack of political will. Nepal’s second enhanced NDC, submitted in 2020, establishes more specific adaptation and mitigation targets across core sectors aligned with national policies.

Nepal’s governmental plan to realize these NDC targets includes a comprehensive implementation strategy with an estimated budget of $33 billion. A substantial portion of this requires external funding, as domestic resources can only cover part of the necessary costs for hydroelectric projects.

Challenges persist due to Nepal’s reliance on fossil fuels and traditional energy sources, which complicates the pursuit of net zero emissions. Furthermore, policy inconsistencies, particularly in electric transport systems, hinder progress. Although the potential for renewable energy, primarily from hydroelectric sources, remains largely untapped, it presents a critical opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependency.

Adopting a sustainable approach to transition to net zero emissions necessitates careful consideration of economic impacts, as illustrated by the challenges faced by Sri Lanka. To meet its ambitious net zero target by 2045, Nepal requires significant funding and transformative changes across vital sectors. Continued stakeholder engagement is critical to bridge existing gaps and evaluate sectoral priorities, ensuring alignment with broader development goals.

In summary, Nepal’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 is ambitious and faces multiple challenges, including economic growth aspirations and climate vulnerabilities. While opportunities exist in renewable energy expansion, significant funding, political dedication, and policy consistency are essential for success. Ultimately, collaborative stakeholder efforts will be crucial in balancing environmental goals with economic stability as Nepal progresses toward middle-income status.

Original Source: asianews.network