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Mamkoila Sarki from Jumla shares the lifelong struggle of accessing clean drinking water. She recalls a time when melting snow was a daily routine for drinking water. Decades ago, crops thrived with minimal spoilage, but now recurrent landslides and unfavorable climatic conditions frequently destroy seeds and paddy, she says.

Sadhana Tharu from Nepalgunj observes rising temperatures over the years. Whereas rainfall used to arrive between mid-May and mid-June, it now occurs between mid-July and mid-August, often leading to flooding between September and October.

Dhanjit Budha from Jumla explains that with many men and educated women working abroad, the remaining women, who rely heavily on agriculture, struggle to support their families. Climate change has reduced agricultural productivity, making survival increasingly difficult.

In the documentary Bahav, produced by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung last year, the impact of climate change on water resources is highlighted.

Women in remote districts like Bardiya and Jumla are adapting to climate variability in their villages. According to the World Bank’s Country, Climate, and Development Report, Nepal’s temperature is projected to rise by 0.9°C between 2016 and 2045, further increasing the country's climate risks.

This article will explore how documentaries and short films have brought climate change issues in Nepal to the forefront. It will examine the presentation of climate challenges in various contexts, and whether commercial cinema has adequately addressed these critical issues.

Emerging issues

A documentary produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) illustrates how poverty and environmental changes are driving migration. Intense monsoons lead to floods in the Tarai and landslides in the hills, while droughts damage crops, exacerbating food insecurity. For example, in Arghakhanchi district alone, more than 50 percent of households have family members migrating for work. 

Respondents in the documentary noted that climate change has harmed crop yields, livestock, and livelihoods. However, FAO demonstrates that intervention is possible through a problem-solving approach, providing support to affected communities, especially women, who bear the brunt of climate change.

In The Last Yak Herder of Dhe, visual anthropologist Fidel Devkota showcases the challenges faced by Kungshang Rinzin, the only remaining yak herder in Upper Mustang’s climate-vulnerable region. The documentary, featured by WWF Nepal, reveals the population decline in Dhe village due to shrinking grasslands and water shortages.

A documentary by NDI Nepal, supported by USAID, focuses on climate change and governance in Nepal. Stakeholders warn that 21 glacial lakes—sources of the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali rivers—are on the verge of bursting due to global warming. This could lead to massive displacement and poverty. Despite many policies, implementation remains a challenge. 

Dr Punya Prasad Regmi, Vice-chancellor of Agriculture and Forestry University, stresses the need for collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, and Forestry to address climate-related policy gaps.

The World Bank report also forecasts drier winters and wetter monsoon summers in Nepal, with river flooding potentially affecting 350,000 people by 2030. Between 2012 and 2019, Nepal’s carbon emissions rose by 26.9 percent, with agriculture contributing 54 percent and energy 28 percent.

Climate storytelling in film festivals

The 19th edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) in December 2021 focused on climate change under the theme “Karma.” The festival screened 40 films from 28 countries. Festival chair Basant Thapa emphasized the deep connection between humans and nature, calling for urgent action to heal the planet.

Notable films included The Icefall Doctor (2021), which portrays the life of Angnima Sherpa, who managed the Khumbu Icefall on Everest amidst environmental and personal challenges, and Bally Peak Outlook 2020 Expedition (2020), documenting a 47-day cleanup campaign led by environmental activist Dawa Steven Sherpa. The campaign, conducted during lockdown, removed 2.2 tons of waste from three mountains.

Other films, like God’s Buffalo (2021) and When Glaciers Go (2021), depict the personal and environmental struggles of rural communities affected by climate change, such as forced migration due to water shortages in Mustang.

KIMFF also organized a short film competition on the theme of “Green Growth—Green Recovery,” receiving 10 films on climate change and environmental issues. A decade earlier, the British Council Nepal and DFID launched the UK-Nepal Climate Change Short Film Competition, with winning entries screened at KIMFF.

While festivals like KIMFF promote climate storytelling, their reach is limited to Kathmandu, and the remote areas most affected by climate change remain largely unaware of these efforts.

Absence of climate stories in commercial cinema

Medical anthropologist and filmmaker Sachin Ghimire argues that Nepali cinema has largely neglected climate-related stories. He believes commercial filmmakers have not explored this issue, although doing so could attract larger audiences and raise awareness.

Ghimire criticizes Nepal’s political system for its failure to prioritize climate issues, blaming a lack of political vision and leadership. Despite some efforts by NGOs and INGOs, climate storytelling in Nepal is often driven by funding availability rather than genuine concern.

Senior movie journalist Samipya Timalsena notes that Nepali cinema tends to focus on entertainment, with few films exploring complex issues like climate change. He believes that creating issue-based movies with compelling protagonists and antagonists is a challenge.

Another documentary filmmaker, speaking anonymously, agrees that bringing such topics to mainstream cinema is difficult without the support of key stakeholders. However, he commends the work of visual anthropologists and documentary makers who continue to address these critical issues.

Climate change activist Arnab Chaudhary advocates for more indigenous storytelling in climate narratives, emphasizing that indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change. He argues that their stories should be told by themselves to authentically reflect their experiences, with non-indigenous allies providing support.

Way forward

Nepal faces many challenges as a developing country, but ignoring environmental issues will only lead to a more uncertain future. Despite contributing just 0.027 percent of global emissions, Nepal ranks fourth in climate vulnerability.

Efforts like Sagarmatha Sambad, a multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate issues initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are commendable. The first summit, scheduled for April 2020, was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nepal must continue raising climate concerns in international forums. Domestically, the government must prioritize helping climate-vulnerable communities, especially indigenous groups, through effective policy implementation.

Having grown up near the Mahabharat Range, I’ve seen firsthand how human activity and climate change have altered the landscape. The glaciers are melting, and the floods in the Tarai affect thousands. Living in Kathmandu for over a decade, I noticed this year was especially hot.

Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for understanding and sharing experiences, and it’s time for the entertainment industry to embrace climate stories. Raising awareness through compelling narratives can help create the momentum needed for policymakers to act on climate justice.

Restoring our connection with nature is crucial for a sustainable future. Why not start by reflecting on our relationship with the Earth?

Urbanization in Nepal has accelerated in recent years. The number of municipalities increased dramatically from 58 in fiscal year 2013/14 to 293 by 2017/18. Consequently, the population residing in municipalities surged from 17 percent to 66 percent. This sharp rise in urban areas is largely a result of reclassifying rural areas as urban, based mainly on population criteria. However, a significant concern remains the rapid migration from rural regions to Kathmandu Valley, turning it into an overcrowded city.

Urbanization is driven by both economic and non-economic factors. In rural areas, subsistence agriculture often fails to meet basic needs, pushing people to cities in search of better jobs and higher wages. The decline of rural industries, which once provided employment for many, has also led to increased rural unemployment and poverty, prompting migration to urban centers. Additionally, social factors such as caste-based discrimination, exploitation, and social inequality motivate rural residents to seek better opportunities in urban areas. Natural disasters like floods, landslides, and droughts, which destroy property and livelihoods, further compel people to relocate. Beyond escaping rural hardships, people move to cities for access to better education, healthcare, and modern amenities.

Benefits of urbanization

While urbanization has contributed to overcrowding in Kathmandu Valley, some economists, such as Arthur Lewis and T.W. Schultz, argue that it has positive effects on agricultural development. Growing urban incomes boost demand for agricultural products like milk and vegetables, which in turn stimulates agricultural production and rural incomes. Urbanization also increases the availability of capital, which can be used for farm expansion and modernization. Rural migrants working in cities often send remittances back home, further supporting rural economies and promoting capital formation.

Urbanization also brings opportunities for education and exposure to new ideas, expanding the horizons of rural people and making them more open to change. Returning migrants, having experienced urban life, can introduce innovations such as new crops and farming techniques in their home villages.

However, the nature of rural challenges has shifted. With much of the younger population migrating to cities, rural areas are increasingly populated by the elderly and disabled. As a result, once-valuable agricultural land is left barren, and rural marketplaces are often deserted except for occasional festivals like Dashain.

Costs of urbanization

On the other hand, some economists argue that urbanization can have negative consequences for both urban and rural economies. As urban populations grow, competition for limited jobs intensifies, contributing to urban poverty and unemployment. Social problems such as crime, prostitution, pollution, and inadequate housing also increase in overcrowded cities like Kathmandu. The rise in theft, robbery, and other crimes in the valley underscores these concerns.

Urbanization also strains public services such as housing, safe drinking water, sewerage systems, electricity, and transportation. Kathmandu’s growing water and sewage issues are clear examples. Due to budget constraints, the government struggles to keep up with the demand for improved public services. Additionally, urbanization can reduce agricultural output as rural labor declines, a significant issue for a country like Nepal that increasingly relies on imported food grains.

Strategies to slow urbanization

Unlike earlier views that saw urbanization as beneficial, many now consider it a contributing factor to urban underemployment and a symptom of underdevelopment. To curb excessive urbanization, it is essential to strike a balance between rural and urban economic opportunities by reducing the focus on urban areas.

Rural development initiatives that boost incomes and create jobs can help reduce migration to cities. As rural areas become more attractive, people are less likely to leave. Therefore, comprehensive rural development programs aimed at increasing production and improving quality of life offer a sustainable solution to excessive rural-urban migration.

Since agriculture remains the backbone of Nepal’s economy, modernizing agriculture is an effective strategy to generate employment and raise rural incomes. To retain young people in rural areas, farming must be made an attractive and viable career option. Agricultural modernization—encompassing diversification and commercialization—can increase incomes and act as an incentive for young people to stay in their villages.

Another key strategy is to promote rapid industrialization, focusing on both large- and small-scale industries. In a labor-abundant country like Nepal, developing agro-based industries and rural enterprises should be a priority. These industries not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also create jobs. However, it is crucial to adapt traditional skills and products to meet changing market demands. If young people have access to better income opportunities and higher social status in rural areas, they will be less inclined to migrate to cities.

A one-day Talent Show was held in the capital recently. The event was organized by Association of Pre-school Educators Nepal (APEN) Gokarneshwar Municipal Committee in connection with the International Children’s Day. More than 250 students of different schools, teachers, principals and parents were present in the program.

Students aged below eight from 15 Montessori schools participated in the program. They gave group and individual performances during the talent show. The students performed dances, sang songs and played music. 

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Finance Committee and Member of Parliament Santosh Chalise was the chief guest of the event. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Gokarneshwar Municipality Sannani Lama, General Secretary of APEN Center Krishna Bohora, Central Member Nirmal Nepal, Praveen Jang Thapa and others were also present in the event.

The participants were given medals, letters of appreciation and tokens of love during the event. Congratulating APEN for organizing such a beautiful program, Chalise said that he is ready to cooperate with the organization in the future.

Lama said that the municipality was ready to coordinate with APEN to help students get education while learning with fun.

Coherent consciousness refers to the phenomenon where multiple individuals share a unified mental state, characterized by aligned thoughts, intentions and cognitive processes. Recent advances in neuroscientific research have highlighted the relevance of brain wave synchronization, where collaborative individuals have similar patterns of neural activity. 

Unified consciousness allows those individuals to reap the advantages of mirror neurons, letting collective creativity prosper. Consciousness as a unified experience is the notion that our experiences and perceptions form a cohesive and continuous reality. All the sensory information, knowledge and environment that we are exposed to, shape our cognition. 

There are multitude of parameters that define our cognitive process, and on this edifice, it is easy to conclude that outcomes of diverse individual cognitive processes are idiosyncratic and unique. When these diverse idiosyncratic cognitive processes merge, they form a unified field of consciousness—a creativity pool with unprecedented levels of creativity and highly enhanced problem solving. 

Neuroscience of like-minded thinking

Mirror neurons and shared mental models play a crucial role in shaping the thoughts of like-minded individuals. It can cause mirrored yawning, which is contagious. When we watch someone yawn, events of us repeating or responding to the person with the same behavior are likely. When a friend of yours cracks a joke in class—though it is not that funny and isn’t worth uncontrollable laughter—you will likely be in a situation of losing control of your behavior and responding to the situation with laughter; this laughing contagion traverses the entire class, and the person sitting on the first desk—totally unaware of the cause of laughter—responds to the circumstance with laughter too.

Mirror neurons’ ability for collective mental states could transcend to a higher degree of cognition. A friend of mine and I were working on a graph theory problem for hours—we lost count of time. Being exposed to one another’s thought process for over two years and, very recently, working on the same project trying to optimize the shortest path between two junctions, our brain could not be called anything other than synchronized brains. We didn’t have to communicate to change a line of code on our computer; no communications were required to increase junction density at specific areas; we both had the same thing in our minds, and at this point, the communication was as if made telepathically. The cognitive productivity becomes superior with diverse thoughts contributed in coherence to a single idea; the result was produced after traversing through diverse concepts of the field and aligning to multitude of theories that one puts forth. 

Advantages of coherent consciousness

The world’s best universities tend to invest tremendously in increasing diversity on campus. The reason for this is to bring ideas, backgrounds, identities, and many more from around the different corners of the world. When diverse and unique cognitive processes, fed with idiosyncratic data, bundled together, forming collective creativity, there is a pooling of creative aura. 

These universities, which are able to achieve coherence out of diversity, reap the advantage of increased creativity due to more dynamic exchange of ideas, innovative solutions, efficient problem solving, etc. They achieve strengthened social bonds, which in turn help prosper more collaboration and develop a familial environment on campus. As a result, they have the highest research activity, the highest number of publications, and the highest scholarly productivity.

Corporations tend to invest huge amounts of time and capital in their workforce to build collective intelligence. They organize multiple programs that demand collaboration, either through recreation or corporate tasks. Formation of collective awareness helps employees to not only build better social relations but also streamline decision-making and help maximize performance with productive collaboration.

Coherent consciousness transcends the limitation of geography

There are numerous examples of inventions that occurred nearly simultaneously by multiple individuals working independently on similar ideas or inventions. Most notably, the formulation of calculus is a prime instance of this phenomenon. Both Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz developed the principles of calculus in the late 17th century, each working independently of the other. Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray both filed patents for the telephone in 1876. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace independently formulated the theory of natural selection in the 1850s. There are many more such examples, including the discovery of oxygen, X-rays, the law of conservation of energy, the Krebs cycle, etc. Even before the globalized era, most of the independent inventions occurred nearly at the same point in time.

Global coherent consciousness for world peace and advances in humanity 

One of the pioneers of the idea of a unified field of consciousness is the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM), Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The transcendental meditation technique is proven to have significant neural activity amelioration in a person. It is claimed to enhance individual consciousness for better collective consciousness and strengthen conscious bonds in a unified field. A key aspect of Maharishi’s theory is the notion of “super radiance,” a phenomenon suggesting that a small percentage of the population engaging in TM can influence collective consciousness on a larger scale.

On a global scale, there are multiple efforts for global coherence; for instance, in Dec 2023, nearly 11,000 participants from 139 countries congregated in Hyderabad, India, for the “10,000 for World Peace” assembly to reap advantage of coherent consciousness in achieving global ambitions of peace. Many scientific symposiums, conventions, etc. tend to bring global effort for achieving global ambition via global coherent consciousness. For instance, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), CERN, Geneva, Switzerland is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, which is home to about the majority of theoretical particle physicists on this planet. The idea of concentrating professionals from around the world is to unify the consciousness of the brilliant minds to support the progress of particle physics. 

In a nutshell, the notion of consciousness is the subject of neuroscience and spirituality together. The idea of coherent consciousness is experienced by people around the globe in their daily routine; there are tremendous examples of global coherence and efforts to manifest this novel idea. This is the pathway for continuing the progress of the most powerful cognitive being on earth. Collaboration and teamwork habits should be developed in students right from kindergarten to achieve new heights for the progress of the human race. Diverse consciousness should be coalesced to pool creativity from around the globe for achieving global ambitions of prosperity for humanity.

Manish Adhikari

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar