Prez calls for unified action against climate crisis

KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has called for joint efforts to address the growing crisis caused by climate change, warning that the very foundations of life in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region are now under threat.

Speaking at the Hindu Kush-Himalaya Parliamentarians Meet 2025 held in Kathmandu on Monday, President Paudel said that the water flowing from the Himalayas, the oxygen from forests, and the fertility of arable land support the livelihoods of over two billion people in the region. “But this very foundation of our survival is now in jeopardy,” he said, expressing hope that this historic gathering would pave the way for a shared and sustainable future.

He also called for strengthening legal frameworks to promote climate-friendly development, set air pollution control standards, and ensure the conservation of biodiversity. “To guarantee accountability, parliaments must monitor whether programs are being implemented, ensure transparency in resource use and evaluate results,” he added.

President Paudel also said climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution are no longer just topics of scientific reports—they have become harsh realities of daily life.