Nestled in the Himalayas high in the mountains is a landlocked Himalayan country, Nepal, famous for its incredible mountainscapes, its rich cultural heritage, and also for its special biodiversity. But beneath its scenic beauty is a complicated web of energy challenges, climate change consequences, and air pollution problems. We dive into these critical aspects with this blog and pin down that there is an urgency for a sustainable solution.
Climate Change: An Imminent Threat, since its diverse topography and socioeconomic conditions Nepal is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. With erratic weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme events, and glacial melt now threatening the country’s water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods, it is a resource that is critical to the country’s development and is highly vulnerable to climate change. Climate Change's impact on Nepal is Irreversible.
Energy Landscape: A Double-Edged Sword, we are at a crossroads for the energy sector in Nepal. Hydropower potential in the country is estimated at over 83,000 MW, but the country has only developed a small fraction of this resource. The nation's energy aspirations require hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi which is expected to be producing 456 MW. The energy mix, however, continues to be dominated by traditional biomass and imported fossil fuels with economic and environmental challenges. Renewable Energy; A Beacon of Hope, the right step is to focus on renewable sources of energy such as hydropower. Small-scale solar and wind projects are also picking up, with many opting for it to supply needs for off-grid communities. The Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) is just an example of efforts to bring about such initiatives in countries such as Nepal to boost access to clean energy, reduce dependence on imports, and spur lending growth.
Water Security and Glacial Melt: The glaciers of the Himalayas are the 'Water Towers of Asia,' but are retreating at alarming rates, and providing less and less water for some of the world's most important rivers. Glaciers could lose more than a third of their volume by the end of the century in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, where they sustain water for millions, is reported by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The recent GLOF outburst in the Thame area and the Urban Flood in the Kathmandu Valley which led to both economic and non-economic loss & damage as well as human loss is a warning for us to be prepared for upcoming disasters where as adaptation measures are most important for us.
Agriculture and Livelihoods: Agriculture is a big, climate-sensitive part of the job of 65% of Nepal's populace. Crop yields and food security are affected by erratic monsoons and protracted periods of drought, but also by land degradation which is worsening as land is cleared and destroyed for subsistence agriculture. These impacts can be mitigated by adaptation measures ranging from climate-resilient crops and improved irrigation systems to sustainable farming practices.
Air Pollution - A Silent Killer: Relatively speaking, air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal is at alarming levels. Poor air quality is caused by rapid urbanization, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning. Kathmandu is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with levels of PM2.5 above the WHO safe levels frequently. Health risks from air pollution are serious, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, premature death, and shorter life expectancy. Each year 42,100 premature deaths occur due to air pollution (Ministry of Population and Health). Annually increasing forest fire is also a major issue that is leading to the many deaths and losses of biodiversity, wildlife, livestock, human settlement, and properties. Therefore, to tackle this problem, the government has initiated electric vehicle promotion, and public transportation improvement, as well as enforced emission standards. But the implementation and public awareness are key challenges.
Nepal’s journey toward sustainability is propelled by organizations committed to tackling air pollution, promoting clean energy, and empowering communities. Here’s a look at three influential organizations driving these efforts.
Clean Energy Nepal (CEN) is a leading non-governmental organization advocating for clean energy solutions, sustainable practices, and climate resilience across the country. CEN works on multiple fronts, from shaping national policies to promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependency. By leading research on air quality and collaborating with local authorities, CEN implements practical measures for pollution control. CEN’s training programs empower youth, local communities, and officials with the skills to drive sustainable development, supporting Nepal’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement and strengthening climate resilience.
Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) mobilizes the country’s youth to address climate change through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives. NYCA’s programs, including the Nepalese Youth Climate Conference (NYCCC) and campaigns focusing on air quality awareness and collective action to reduce pollution in urban centers. With partnerships like those with CEN, NYCA ensures youth voices shape Nepal’s climate policies and actions, preparing the next generation to lead on sustainability.
Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN): Advancing Clean Air and Public Health
Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN) is a collaborative network focused on Nepal’s air pollution crisis through research, advocacy, and community outreach. Partnering with researchers, policy advocates, and government bodies, CANN helps shape air quality standards and regulations. CANN also leads awareness campaigns on the health impacts of air pollution, promoting sustainable practices. CANN’s initiatives not only support national climate goals but also improve public health by advocating for cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
With visionary organizations like CEN, NYCA, and CANN leading the charge, Nepal is making progress toward a sustainable future. Together, these organizations are helping to create a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Nepal, ensuring that environmental protection and community well-being go hand in hand.
Nepals progression and preparedness: COP29 Road Map and NDC3.0
Ministry of Forests and Environment shares a details update on NDC's status and progress along with its revision preparation. Nepal managed to raise the forest cover to 46% as well and Nepal has met the 2025 target for public passenger vehicles well ahead of time. 4-wheeler EV sales are adequate but two-wheeler sales are low. Nepal needs to substantially increase the use of two-wheeler EVs to meet its 2025 and 2030 targets.
Nepal has progressed from 1400 MW in December 2020 to 3129 MW in August 2024, meeting around 12.7% of the 2030 target since 2021. Out of the total energy demand of around 640 PJ (WECS, 2023), around 6.5% (NEA, 2023) is supplied through clean and renewable electricity from NEA and 2.5% (WECS, 2023) from other renewables. In total, 9% of total energy demand is generated through clean and renewable energy sources till 2023. To meet its 2030 target of 15%, Nepal needs to maintain the increase in total energy demand supplied through clean energy sources. Nepal needs to substantially increase the use of electric cooking and Improved Cooking Stove to meet its 2025 NDCs target as only 4.2% of households use electric stoves and has installed 18,068 portable metallic stoves and 109,635 Metallic ICS till July 2023 (AEPC, 2023),
In September for the COP preparation, MoFE shared to make the position paper for each thematic working area Adaptation, Mitigation, Global Stock Take, Climate Finance, Loss & Damage, Mountain, Youths, IPs, GEDSI, etc as well as to make the inclusive team of the negotiator including Prime Minster, Ministers, Party delegates (core negotiation team), government team from, ministries, province and local, experts from NGOs/INGOs/Youth and Observers. The MoFE also mentioned training the negotiator team and multiple stakeholders' engagement consultations to make more inclusive preparedness.
Recently in October, the Government prepared the draft position paper for the COP29 and is in the finalization process. During this process, many ministries were also actively engaged in and leading to the preparation of the position paper that is directly linked to the ministry. The climate summit just happened on 26th October in the auspicious presence of PM KP Oli has embarked on the preparation of the COP29 of Nepal to one more level up and the team of MoFE is preparing the delegation of the experts and high-level ministers from different ministries as per their commitment.
Nepal is facing difficulties and challenges in increasing its clean energy infrastructure due to Climate-induced disasters. Many Glacial Lake are in a vulnerable situation that might go burst at any time and also many hydropower are vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. Nepal is facing severe health issues due to transboundary air pollution whose diameter is more than that of Nepal’s map breadth during the dry season from the neighboring country and Nepal cannot take any steps to raise this issue.
The Way Forward: Integrated Solutions
Solutions to Nepal's energy, climate, and air pollution challenges can only be holistic and sustainable. Key strategies include:
Enhanced and more ambitious NDCs, the Clean Air Act, climate change policies, etc should be made accountable and regulated properly. Nepal needs to set its position and build the capacity to get climate finance from developed countries and grants from GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund, Loss & Damage funds, and other funds available for Nepal to make it climate resilient
Expanding Renewable Energy: Accelerating the development of hydropower and other renewable sources will reduce Nepal’s dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.
Enhancing Climate Resilience: Shelby, Safera. 2011. Protecting Access to Water Resources through Climate Adaptation Measures, Protecting Access to Livelihoods through Sustainable Agriculture.
Improving Air Quality: Enhancing public awareness, enforcing stricter emissions standards, and promoting clean technologies can reduce pollution and improve public health. And raise the transboundary emission issues to stop emissions rather than taking the carbon credit.
At this critical juncture in Nepal, the decisions we make today will determine its future in the realm of energy, climate resilience, and air quality. With intentional sustainable practices and collaborative government/private sector communities, Nepal can steer through these challenges to create a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future.
