UK Parliament Addresses Nepal’s Climate Change Crisis

The impacts of climate change in Nepal were raised in the UK Parliament, where MP Alex Baker questioned government support. Baker highlighted severe flooding that caused over 200 deaths in Kathmandu. In response, Foreign Secretary David Lammy affirmed the UK’s commitment, announcing 38.5 million Pounds for resilience programs and an additional 58 million Pounds for climate initiatives over the next eight years. This follows Baker’s engagement with the Nepalese Embassy to discuss further support for climate-related issues.

Nepal’s challenges in addressing climate change were highlighted in the UK Parliament when Labour MP Alex Baker raised the issue in the House of Commons. Baker, who represents areas with significant Nepali communities, emphasized the severe consequences of climate change, including devastating floods in Kathmandu that resulted in over 200 fatalities last year. She questioned the UK government’s efforts to assist Nepal, a longstanding ally, in combating these issues.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy responded to Baker’s inquiry by affirming the UK’s commitment to supporting Nepal in its climate change efforts. He announced that the UK had allocated 38.5 million Pounds (approximately Rs6.5 billion) for resilience and adaptation programs to help Nepal mitigate disaster risks. Lammy also revealed a forthcoming aid package of 58 million Pounds (approximately Rs 10 billion) to be distributed over the next eight years for climate-smart development initiatives.

This parliamentary discussion follows Baker’s prior engagement with the Nepalese Embassy in London, where she met with senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala and Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi. During this meeting, embassy officials sought Baker’s assistance in highlighting climate change issues and the concerns of former Gurkha soldiers within the UK Parliament.

Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographical location and fragile ecosystem. The country has been experiencing increasing flooding, landslides, and other climate-related disasters, which have significant social and economic impacts. As a result, international support, particularly from allies like the UK, is crucial for implementing effective adaptation and resilience-building strategies. This context makes discussions in the UK Parliament concerning support for Nepal’s climate challenges particularly significant.

The recent dialogue at the UK Parliament underscores the critical nature of international support for Nepal as it grapples with the profound effects of climate change. Alex Baker’s inquiry serves as a reminder of the humanitarian and ecological imperatives of international aid. With substantial funding from the UK government aimed at enhancing Nepal’s climate resilience, there is hope for improved management of natural disasters in the region.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com