In recent years, all of us witnessed dramatic change in occurrence of seasons, weather patterns and recently the abrupt temperature rise. Anyone who has basic knowledge of science and environment can clearly see the reason behind these changes and the consequences that follow. The whole world is slowly moving towards its own extinction, logically speaking. Yes I am talking about climate change. Here's a summary of a research paper from 2019 or before; talking about this issue and I have surplused some thoughts of mine regarding the issue.

Nepal's temperature is projected to increase by about 0.90 degree Celsius between 2016 and 2045 under the medium-range emissions pathway. That means the amount of GHG emissions back in 2016, if continued constantly. But the numbers have risen till now, so the time required to reach 0.90°C is shortened. People affected by river flooding caused by climate change could double to around 350k people in 2030. This is obvious. Water resources would be severely impacted due to variability in rainfall and will affect hydropower and agriculture. Now, due to the consequences of alteration in hydropower, everything from economy to general life is going to face troubles.

Taking about the causes, emissions from agriculture accounts for 54 percent and energy accounts for 28 percent in Nepal. Even after seeing the reasons, Nepal cannot take any direct step to solve this. Why? Cause Nepal's agriculture and forestry constitute 30 percent of GDP. These sectors provide the main source of livelihood for the poor. Agriculture and land use together accounted for 62 percent of Green House Gases emissions in 2019. These reasons are so tragic and so entangled.

Further, one currently existing problem: Nepal has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the world with more than 30k annual deaths caused by such pollution. In coming years, the rate will definitely go higher. The only way to solve this is solving that entangled problem.

What Can We Do?

Nepal is the fastest urbanizing country in South Asia, with urban growth rate of 5% per year. Currently, Nepal's GHG emissions are negligible in the world emissions. So, Nepal has a little time left to formulate its policies to solve these issues without disturbing other nations. Here are some things which might help us solve this problem, from my perspective:

  1. Agriculture policy reform. Since agriculture is the number one factor in GHG emission, general awareness programs and policies should be implemented. Raising taxes and even price of carbon-emitting chemicals would help. Plantation programs and all those things we learnt in our schools — all of them are mandatory right now.
  2. Promote plant-based diets. The dairy and meat industry is the major consumer of agricultural products. More chemicals and fertilizers are used in production of meat than for human consumption. By production of meat, I mean the grass and hay and other foods required for livestock farming.
  3. Raise taxes on fuel-powered vehicles. All of them. And try to make EVs as cheap as possible. Use better, and if possible new, automobiles for public transportation. Plus, government should provide some benefits to the safari drivers and should get hard on autos, as both of them are very relevant nowadays. For some of us, this might be harsh, but this is what it is.
  4. Raise the prices of LPG gases and promote electric alternatives.

These are some steps that can be taken right now. Talking as an individual, we should also get involved in the mission and contribute our part to save our planet. Please use electric means of transportation or public medium for long distances. If possible get an electric gas ASAP. Plant more trees and use less chemicals. In coming years, we will face even higher temperature rises, lots of problems regarding rain, more environmental destruction. Let us all take possible actions to defend ourselves.

#savetheplanet #govegan #climatechange