The world is facing the adverse impacts of climate change. This was one of the most important issues that got attention during this year's general debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York. Most of the head of governments from the world cried that climate change is here and now. They also said that we should address this problem together. During the general debate, seven South Asian countries expressed its views on climate change, its effect and plans to cope with the impacts.   

South Asia is one of the most affected regions (by climate change) in the world. During the high-level debate, South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Bhutan and India raised the climate change issue with due importance.  

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, said climate change poses existential threats to us all. “The record-breaking heat wave this summer starkly reminded the world of the climate-induced changes. What we need is climate justice – so that the irresponsible choices or, indifferent actions or, harms caused are accounted for. Long-term damages leave irreparable damages all-around: we are losing bio-diversity; changing pathogens leading to newer diseases; farming is under stress; shrinking water wealth threatening habitat; rising sea level and salinity decimating eco-systems”, opined Yunus during the address.

“The damages in terms of rising intensity and frequency of cyclones or floods can hardly be ignored. The climatic risks are faced far deeper by our small farmers and artisanal livelihood-holders. As I speak, over five million people witnessed a most devastating flood in their living memory, in eastern Bangladesh”, he said. “Yet, Secretary General Guterres showed that under the current trajectory, the world is heading for a +2.7°C scenario. I would hence urge for channeling robust resources for climate adaptation in the climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. It is moreover crucial to operationlize loss and damage fund by leveraging innovative solutions and additional finance.”

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also a chair of the SAARC, said, “As climate change is a global challenge, it demands global action and collaborative efforts to address its widespread and cascading impacts. Adequate climate financing including ‘Loss and Damage’ fund is crucial to support climate-resilient measures and infrastructure for adaptation in developing countries.”

Oli stated that climate change has emerged as the gravest threat to our planet, people, and prosperity. “My own country, Nepal, is particularly hard hit. We stand as one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change and are ranked as the 20th most disaster-prone country in the world. Of utmost concern is the alarming rate at which the pristine Himalayas, often referred to as the Third Pole, are losing their vast snow reserves. This loss threatens water availability for billions of people living downstream, extending far beyond the borders of my country,” he added.

Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives, said climate change is the most serious threat to our world; the defining challenge of our generation. He said, “On behalf of the Maldivian people, I implore you. Do your part. Act now. We must face the climate emergency head-on. The rich and emitting countries need to meet the financial pledges already made – especially on adaptation, where the financing gap continues to widen. As we work towards COP29, we must ensure the new goal on climate finance matches the level of climate action required.”

Moreover, Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif told the UN General Assembly that his country emits less than one per cent of carbon globally, yet it had to pay a very heavy price, including the $30 billion in damages from catastrophic floods two years ago. “We must uphold the axiom: the polluter pays!”, opined the Pakistani PM.  

Mohan Pieris, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, said, “We are off target on the Paris Climate Goal to limit the temperature increase to 1.50C above pre-industrial levels. While Sri Lanka has taken mitigation measures nationally, as included in the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change, it is through concerted international action that solutions can be implemented to halt the global warming.”

Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, during the speech cited examples of his country's efforts to cope with climate change. “I am pleased to report that His Majesty the King has announced the establishment of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The Gelephu Mindfulness City is a transformative vision for future urban spaces, a blueprint for living mindfully and sustainably. Spanning over 2,600 square kilometres of pristine forests and fertile farmlands, it will enable human innovation and natural ecosystems to thrive together, while fostering human well-being, environmental sustainability and mindful living.”

In contrast, India did not say much about climate change. External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar said, “Evasion of climate action responsibilities by the developed countries undermines the growth prospects of the developing countries.”  

South Asian countries reflected on what climate change has done in this region and what we should do in the future. Unfortunately, South Asian countries are more vulnerable to climate change, but they don’t have enough resources to tackle it.
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The writer is the Deputy Chief Sub-editor of Kantipur Daily Newspaper in Nepal