By Rick M 
Nepal has experienced a rise in temperature by 13% since August, the latest information from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology shows. This growing incidence has created panic in the country and has given the population food for thought on the effects of climate change in the Himalayas.
Frequent changes in temperature have been experienced in different areas of the country including the Terai, mid-hill and the Himalayas. People in the capital city of Kathmandu have complained of warmer days and nights than usual, with many people finding it difficult to bear the heat. The average temperature in the city in September was 30 °C, which is 4 degrees higher than the average for this month.
Climate change professionals are especially concerned about the accelerated glacial melt in the Himalayas of Nepal. The Himalayan glaciers, often referred to as the “water towers of Asia,” are melting at an alarming rate. This not only jeopardises the water resources for millions of people in Nepal and other countries but also enhances the possibilities of GLOFs.
He said this during an interview with the(colour)Kathmandu Post, Binod Parajuli, senior climatologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. “This 13% increase in temperature since August is unprecedented in our records,” Parajuli stated. “If this trend continues, we could see severe consequences for our ecosystems, agriculture, and overall way of life.”
The agricultural sector, which accounts for about two thirds of the population of Nepal, is also not far behind. Cultivators in the Terai region, the food basket of Nepal, complain of wilting crops and decreased production. Ram Prasad Yadav, a farmer from Bara district, shared his experience: The water in our paddy fields is becoming scarce at a very fast rate than it has ever been. The heat is intense, and we’re struggling to keep our crops alive.”
The tourism sector, which is one of the important sectors of the Nepalese economy, is not left behind either. Trekking agencies note shifts in snow cover at the conventional hiking grounds as well as influence the aspect of safety and enjoyment of mountain climbing. Pemba Sherpa, a veteran mountain guide, noted, “We’re seeing less snow on lower peaks, and the trekking seasons are becoming unpredictable. It’s not just about business; it’s about the very landscape changing before our eyes.”
The health consequences of this temperature rise are also of interest to the health department. Dr. Sushila Koirala, the latter being a public health expert based in Kathmandu, said that heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes could be on the rise while vector borne diseases could also extend their reach to new areas. “We’re seeing more cases of heat exhaustion, and there’s a real worry about dengue fever reaching higher altitudes where it was previously unknown,” Dr. Koirala explained.
Rising temperature is also playing its part in disturbing the diverse flora and fauna of Nepal. Environmentalists state that there are modifications in the activity and movement of animals. _workers in Chitwan National Park, which is a natural habitat for some of the world’s endangered animals including the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino
Environmentalists are saying that the government must act now. Mr. Prakriti Sharma, the representative of the Nepal Climate Action Network, stressed the importance of actions to be taken at the current time. “We need a comprehensive national strategy to address this crisis,” Sharma urged. “This includes better urban planning, sustainable agriculture practices, and a rapid transition to renewable energy sources.”
The government, however, has not totally downplayed the severity of the existing problem. Nepal’s Minister for Environment, Mr. Rajan KC, said that there is a need to convene an emergency climate summit to tackle the matter. “We are taking this temperature increase very seriously,” Minister KC stated. “We will be convening experts from various sectors to formulate a robust response plan.”
Even the international organisations are also starting to understand the problem of climate change of Nepal. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently given recommendation towards supporting climate adaptation in the country. Sarah Johnson, UNDP’s representative in Nepal, stressed the global nature of the challenge: “What’s happening in Nepal is a stark reminder of the global climate crisis. It is in this light that the international community must come in to assist countries such as Nepal to cope with such rapid changes.”
The temperature increase has again brought discussion on the further development of Nepal. The critics are, however, calling for a change of strategy in the growth of economies and advocate for green technologies and other nature related solutions. Some of the people argue that climate change education should be improved and that there should be more focus on the ‘bottom-up’, social approaches to adaptation.
The sudden rise of the temperature in Nepal is a matter of concern, and it does not only affect Nepal but other countries as well. The country is located in the Himalayas and thus is a good indicator of climate change in the region. What is happening here may well be repeated in other mountainous countries and other countries that rely on water from the Himalayas.
The next few months are going to be critical for Nepal as this country has to identify the causes of such sharp temperature increase. Researchers are rushing to collect more information, politicians are reviewing their climate change strategies, and people around the world are having to adjust to a hotter world. The world is keenly observing that Nepal’s climate problem is, in fact, the world’s problem.
Because the country is now entering the winter season, there is still a question as to what this temperature change portends for the forthcoming seasons. Is this trend to continue? What implications will it have on winter snowfall which is important in water supply? These questions are critical as Nepal is entering a climate future that seems to be here earlier than expected.
This has created a new sense of urgency and people of Nepal are coming together to face this crisis. This means that from cities and towns to the most rural districts, people are linking up to Taiaroa and sharing their assets, skills, and assistance. This element of Nepali culture may turn out to be the country’s largest strength as it attempts to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.