Key facts
- Nepal is seeking $20 million in climate compensation for recent floods.
- The floods were triggered by a melting glacier collapse in Tibet.
- Over 1,300 people are confirmed dead, with over 5,500 missing.
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged major polluting economies to accept shared responsibility.
- Nepal contributes less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- The UN's loss and damage fund faces a significant financing gap.
Nepal is demanding $20 million in climate compensation from major polluting nations following devastating floods that killed over 1,300 people and left thousands missing. The disaster, triggered by a melting glacier collapse in Tibet, has been linked by scientists to the climate crisis.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that Nepal, which contributes less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is seeking financial assistance for recovery and rebuilding. He emphasized that the disaster was far more extreme than typical monsoon flooding and served as a strong warning of future climate impacts.
Nepal has formally requested the funds from the UN's loss and damage fund, established under the Paris climate agreement. Khanal highlighted the disparity between Nepal's minimal contribution to climate change and the significant historical emissions from larger, more industrialized economies, calling for shared responsibility.
While initially singling out India and China, Khanal later broadened the call for cooperation, emphasizing the need for a robust global mechanism to aid vulnerable economies. He acknowledged the significant financing gap in the UN fund and the political challenges in securing compensation.
Khanal also addressed the flood's origins, noting that while the glacier had been receding, the specific imminent collapse was not predicted by scientists in China or Nepal.