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Climate change discriminates. It doesn’t impact the white-collar individuals sitting in air-conditioned rooms strategizing to maximize profits while maintaining an environmentally friendly brand. It doesn’t affect those with access to modern kitchen appliances like microwaves, ovens, and a variety of stoves. Instead, it affects the local fishermen who depend on fish for sustenance and income, as well as the women burdened with gathering biomass for cooking and heating food in rural, remote areas. Rampant deforestation in the name of ‘development’ has intensified the challenge of biomass collection, increasing the workload of women who are already burdened with unpaid responsibilities.

Have you observed the classist nature of climate change? Have you noticed how it disproportionately affects marginalized sections of society—those often deemed ‘unimportant’ or belonging to nations labeled as ‘developing’?

Considering how the impacts of climate change exacerbate the struggles faced by the lower echelons of society and developing nations, we urge action for climate justice.

A pivotal solution in addressing climate change is raising awareness. Educating individuals about climate change and its grassroots-level effects is crucial to empower informed actions. Mobilizing children and youth to champion the cause of climate justice and ignite a movement is imperative.

Children and youth, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds, must advocate for climate justice. Providing them with resources and guidance to comprehend the reality of environmental issues is essential. Fostering sustainable mindsets through comprehensive education from a young age is key. These future generations must fully grasp concepts like climate change, carbon emissions, carbon footprint, carbon financing, green skills, and the multifaceted challenges stemming from climate change.

As young individuals, it’s vital for us to comprehend issues related to social justice, climate justice, and the evolving skill demands in the global market.

Green skills encompass the knowledge, abilities, and competencies individuals possess to contribute effectively to a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy. These skills are pivotal in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Skills related to renewable energy—encompassing the generation, distribution, and management of sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power—are crucial in transitioning from fossil fuels. Nepal holds immense potential in hydroelectricity, which, if harnessed effectively, could lead to electricity export to neighboring countries like India and China.

Competencies in Waste Management and Recycling involve managing and reducing waste, promoting recycling, and implementing sustainable waste disposal methods. Equally important is knowledge about water conservation, efficient utilization of water resources, and wastewater treatment.

Developing eco-friendly products requires skills to create and promote products and services with reduced carbon footprints, ensuring environmental responsibility—a necessity in today’s context.

The youth in Nepal require employment opportunities, necessitating collaboration between the government and citizens to create an environment conducive to Nepali and foreign investment. Securing capital for green projects precedes the need for specific job opportunities.

Certain advancements in business have championed green business models. For instance, there are ventures that utilize green technology to manage municipal solid waste sustainably. By partnering with local governments, they produce biogas CNG for public vehicles and biofertilizers as a byproduct.

Understanding our local context is crucial; blindly replicating Western methods may not align with our waste composition. A 2020 survey by Nepal’s Central Bureau of Statistics revealed the country generates 2,233 metric tons of waste annually, with 54 percent being organic. In Kathmandu, organic waste accounts for approximately 70 percent of municipal solid waste. The issue of waste management urgently needs attention in Nepal.

In 2022, Kathmandu attempted to dispose of its waste in Dhunbeshi Municipality in Dhading and Kakani Rural Municipality in Nuwakot, facing resistance from locals.

In this context, ActionAid, for COP28, has laid out five crucial climate justice benchmarks aimed at addressing Loss and Damage and advocating for real action. Teresa Anderson, ActionAid International’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, highlighted the global anticipation for COP28 to urgently address the long-overdue Loss and Damage Fund. Anderson emphasized the moral responsibility of affluent nations to fill the fund, providing critical support to communities deeply affected by climate change-induced disasters.

Moreover, Anderson stressed COP28 as an opportunity to redirect the substantial public and private financing currently channeled into fossil fuels and industrial agriculture, emphasizing the need to rectify these detrimental financial flows perpetuating the climate crisis.

Amid the alarming weather patterns of 2023 that claimed lives worldwide, Anderson expressed heightened expectations for concrete solutions at this year’s climate conference in Dubai. She emphasized the pivotal role of COP28 in combating the climate crisis while highlighting key issues that demand immediate attention for a successful outcome amid the numerous negotiation tracks.

The ActionAid global federation has also recently initiated the global climate justice campaign, with ActionAid Nepal playing an integral role in contextualizing and contributing to this worldwide initiative. As a global federation dedicated to enhancing people's lives, ActionAid focuses on gender equality, education, resilient livelihoods, climate change, and emergency response. The primary objectives revolve around advocating for climate justice and equality, recognizing the accountability of private investors engaged in climate-harming enterprises, and aiding climate-affected communities in adapting to and mitigating climate change through local eco-friendly solutions such as ‘agroecology’ farming.

The climate justice campaign spearheaded by ActionAid revolves around empowering those most affected by climate change, including women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Its mission is to mobilize these groups through strategic organization, mobilization, and effective communication to push for tangible political and social change aimed at achieving climate justice.

Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director of ActionAid International Nepal, emphasizes that ActionAid focuses on climate justice through financing and mitigation efforts. This involves providing climate financing to women, young people, smallholder farmers, and marginalized communities in climate-vulnerable countries. The approach recognizes the responsibility of prosperous nations, resulting from unchecked carbon emissions, to address global warming. ActionAid advocates for supporting both developing and least developed countries in adapting to climate change impacts. Additionally, it promotes economic development by shifting from extractive practices to regenerative methods.

Central to the Climate Justice Campaign are efforts to combat the adverse impacts of toxic agribusiness and fossil fuel dependency. This campaign seeks to exert global pressure on major investors funding these industries, compelling them to advocate for increased national and international funding to transition from environmentally detrimental economies to regenerative ones. Both private and public funding will be redirected toward greener and sustainable solutions.

ActionAid’s climate justice framework primarily revolves around financing and mitigation options. It emphasizes providing climate financing to women, youth, smallholder farmers, and marginalized communities in climate-vulnerable countries. This financial support enables them to implement adaptation and mitigation measures to combat the effects of climate change. The initiative also highlights the responsibility of nations that have flourished due to unchecked carbon emissions to curb global warming and support both developing and least developed countries in adapting to climate impacts. Furthermore, it advocates for economic development by transitioning from extractive practices to regenerative methods.

The widespread effects of climate change disproportionately impact underprivileged populations despite their minimal contribution to global warming. This deepens existing disparities and underscores the need to amplify their voices on national and international platforms. The campaign aims to hold governments accountable for promoting climate-friendly public and private investments.

ActionAid’s five climate justice benchmarks for a successful COP28

• Leaders must agree on and put money in the new Loss and Damage Fund so that communities  on the frontlines of the climate crisis can rebuild and recover in the aftermath of climate  disasters. It is sad that women, girls, marginalized communities, and people living in poverty are  particularly and disproportionately affected by climate-induced loss and damage. Without  appropriate international financial support, countries devastated by climate change impacts run  the risk of falling deeper into debt from economic losses and massive recovery costs. That is why  the Loss and Damage Fund must deliver support to such countries. 
• Fossil fuels are the major cause of the climate crisis the world is now grappling with. Yet a UN  report shows the world’s petrostates are on course to increase production. COP28 must agree  to phase out fossil fuels in a way that is fair, fully financed, and enables just transitions. To  avert a catastrophe, we need to limit temperatures to the agreed 1.5 degree-Celsius mark, by  ending fossil fuel dependence and agreeing on a phasing out.  
• The world’s finances are flowing in the wrong direction and a shift is necessary to stop doing  harm and build a more sustainable future. ActionAid’s report “How the Finance Flows” (Sept  2023) found that in the seven years since the Paris Agreement was signed, banks in the Global North  have been financing the fossil fuel industry in the Global South to the tune of $3.2trn. Negotiations on Article 2.1c must make real progress in reshaping the financial flows  that continue to fuel the climate crisis. 
• The Global Stocktake (GST) must result in a frank analysis and a real ramping up of climate  action where it is needed most, putting the biggest polluters in the hot seat. Disappointingly, the world is off-track when it comes to efforts to maintain the 1.5 degrees Celsius global  warming limit or provide the climate finance needed to cope with climate impacts and transition  to greener pathways. 
• The new work programme on Agriculture and Food Security to be agreed upon at COP28 must  talk about real solutions such as agroecology to make farmers and food systems fit for purpose  in an era of climate change. It is imperative that countries divest from industrial agriculture and  invest in agroecology. Sadly, in the seven years since the Paris Agreement was signed, Global North banks have been financing harmful industrial agriculture in the Global South to the tune of $370bn, according to ActionAid’s research. 

This article is a joint effort of Mahesh Badal-Livelihood & Natural Resources Specialist and Girwani Rana-Trainee of ActionAid International Nepal

Kathmandu: The Finance Committee of parliament on Wednesday directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to submit the details with factual information within 15 days on the issues relating to sale of Ncell shares.

The committee had invited NTA chair Purushottam Khanal to enquire about the issue.  After the discussion, the committee chair, Santosh Chalise, informed  that they asked the NTA to submit the details about the sale and purchase of Ncell shares in writing within two weeks.

NTA chief Khanal told the House committee that a letter was received from the Ncell Axiata Limited, stating that it would provide the details of sale and purchase of Ncell share soon as it was collecting documents in this regard.  On Dec 1, the NTA had written to Ncell, seeking details of the sale and purchase of its shares. The letter was sent in response to reports about Axiata exiting Ncell by selling its majority stakes. 

“The process of collecting related documents is underway and it would be submitted to the respective body within the existing laws of Nepal", Khanal informed the committee. NTA has said it will launch further investigations if the sale and purchase of Ncell stakes is suspicious. The House panel has also sought response from NTA about the arrears of over Rs 2.2bn, which has to be recovered within three months from nine telecommunication service providers. 

Lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party Swarnim Wagle demanded that Ncell management be brought before the finance committee for a further inquiry.  "The finance committee should write to the chief executive officer of Ncell Axiata Limited and its partner in Nepal inquiring about the matter,” he said. “A foreign company is exiting Nepal at a time when we are talking about organizing an investment conference in the country.” Wagle expressed concern that the case could send a negative message to foreign investors aspiring to invest in Nepal.

CPN (Maoist Centre) spokesperson and former Speaker Agni Sapkota on Wednesday said the government had no weakness in the sale of Ncell stakes. Speaking at an interaction organised here by the Rafat Sanchar Club, the leader said the powerful probe committee should not shy away from taking action in the case if proved guilty. 

Stating that the government is not guilty in the case of Ncell share sales, he said if anyone is found culpable, the guilty party should be booked. 

"Problems have surfaced without the help of stakeholders in the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 

The whole Council of Ministers could not be mobilised to realise the aspirations of the people for development. Prime Minister tried to do many works. But there was no support from the Council of Ministers. On the other hand, government employees are also not cooperating, resulting in the difficulties the government is facing to deliver," he said. 

Stating that Prime Minister single-handedly undertook the initiative for rescue efforts and relief distribution to the earthquake victims, the leader said there was however reports of death of some victims for want of relief due to non-cooperation of the respective sectors. 

Welcoming the government decision to involve the Nepali Army in the relief distribution efforts, he advised the government to address citizen's concerns and criticism regarding its performance. 

"There is no issue in the ruling coalition and it will last for five years," he claimed, adding that it is essential to maintain public trust and uphold hope in the alliance. 

Stating that the government secured achievements in Lalita Niwas land scam, gold smuggling and the fake Bhutanese refugee, he said the Prime Minister's foreign visits have contributed to strengthening the country's diplomatic ties on the global stage. 

He advised the political parties to consolidate intra-party democracy to promote the overall national democracy. 

As he commented, the parliament the venue of amplifying the voice of the citizens has seemed confused. "The Parliament failed to prove it lively and pro-people. None is above the parliament.  The passages of the bills have been hampered.  The parliament should reflect parliamentary practices."

Kathmandu: US National Security Council’s Senior Director for South Asia Eileen Laubacher arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Kathmandu have not shared anything about her visit. Soon after landing Kathmandu, Launcher met Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud. They exchanged views to further strengthen Nepal-US relations and promote bilateral cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later in the day, the US official also held talks with Nepal Army chief Prabhu Ram Sharma. 

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat on Monday presented a somewhat rosy picture of the national economy, while washing the government’s hands of a highly controversial transaction involving NCell, a telecom service provider company. 

Mahat said the economy was recovering gradually and expressed hope that an increasing inflow of tourists as well as remittances will give the economy a boost. 

Many policy-level decisions have been taken for improving the economy, Mahat said: It will take some time for the economy to fully revive. 

Responding to journalists' queries regarding the sale of NCell’s shares, Minister Mahat claimed that the government had no knowledge of the transaction.  "We have been gathering information on this transaction. Telecom (Nepal Telecommunications Authority) is the regulatory body whose permission has to be sought while carrying out such a huge transaction." Minister Mahat said the government is inquiring with Telecom officials regarding the impact of the transaction.

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has shown willingness to visit Russia and host Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kathmandu, arguing that this is the right time for high-level visits. 

In an interview with Russian News Agency TASS, PM Dahal said the time was ripe for high-level visits between the two countries. "We hope that (there will be) a high-level visit, which is quite necessary," he noted. Putin can come to Nepal and I can also go to Russia," Dahal said.

If there is a high-level visit, the prime minister added, “things will move in a very positive direction."

Dahal noted that he had had an opportunity to meet with Putin at the 2016 summits of the BRICS group and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Goa. "Unfortunately, we could not have separate discussions with President Putin,” Dahal added. 

Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said Putin’s potential visit to Nepal or Dahal’s arrival in Russia has not been agreed upon as yet.

“No, there are no specific agreements, this will be discussed through diplomatic channels," he said in response to a TASS question. 

According to TASS, Nepal expects Russian cooperation in the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including in the hydropower sector.

“Our priority is mega hydro projects," he said, citing the Karnali Chisapani hydropower project as an example.

NewYork-  The United States has returned four antiquities worth $1 million to Nepal, including a pair of gilt copper masks representing a Hindu deity, following anti-trafficking operations, New York authorities said on Monday.

One of the items was seized as part of a probe into Subhash Kapoor, whom Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described as an "allegedly prolific looter who helped traffic items" from several Asian countries.

Between 2011 and 2023, officials claim to have recovered more than 2,500 items trafficked by Kapoor and his network, Bragg's office said in a statement.

"The total value of the pieces recovered exceeds $143 million," it added.

"We will continue to target antiquities trafficking networks no matter how complex. I thank our outstanding team of analysts and attorneys... for recovering and returning these beautiful pieces," Bragg said.

The four items given back to Nepalese authorities were handed over at a ceremony in New York.

"The return of these illegally exported four masterpieces is a significant step in reclaiming Nepal’s cultural heritage and preserving its historical treasures," said Nepal’s acting consul general in New York Bishnu Prasad Gautam.

The masks, from the 16th century and collectively valued at $900,000, depict Shiva, part of the Hindu trinity.

"Both masks were stolen in the mid-1990s as part of a series of break-in robberies from the home of the family" whose relatives made them, Bragg's office said.

In recent years, the New York's Met and other prestigious museums have agreed to return trafficked works, in particular pieces from countries riddled by conflict from 1970 to 1990.

Under Bragg, who has been in office since 2022, more than 1,000 pieces worth $190 million have been returned to 19 countries, including Cambodia, China, India and Pakistan. AFP 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of six Nepali nationals who were serving in the Russian army.

Issuing a press statement on Monday, the ministry identified the deceased as Sandeep Thapaliya (Gorkha), Rupak Karki (Kapilvastu), Dewan Rai (Kaski), Prateem Karki (Syangja), Raj Kumar Rokka (Dolakha) and Ganga Raj Moktan (Ilam). 

The ministry also stated that one Bibek Karki was currently being held hostage by the Ukraine army, and efforts were underway to rescue him. Except in the case of some countries, Nepal does not have a policy of allowing Nepali nationals to join a foreign army. The ministry also requested all concerned countries not to recruit Nepali nationals in their armies, and to send them back if they already have. 

Nepal is all set to get its first woman foreign secretary in its diplomatic history. A source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Sewa Lamsal, the senior-most joint secretary at the ministry, is set to replace the incumbent foreign secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal.

Lamsal has also been working as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2020. Earlier, she served as Nepal’s ambassador to Pakistan. She also has the experience of working as a diplomatic officer in several countries. Barring last-minute political intervention, Lamsal’s appointment is certain. Paudyal, the 24th foreign secretary, is retiring this week and has been proposed as an ambassador candidate to Canada.

 The Public Service Commission will recommend the names of three joint secretaries for the post of foreign secretary on the basis of seniority and merits. Other senior-most joint secretaries are Amrit Rai, Krishna Prasad Dhakal and Dubasu Chhetri. Lamsal is senior-most among them. 

Unlike other ministries, the Foreign Ministry has so far honored the order of seniority when appointing a new foreign secretary. Since 1948, Nepal has had 23 foreign secretaries; none of them were women. The country’s first foreign secretary is Prof Sardar Narendra Mani Acharya Dixit.