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Hans India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Air pollution reduces life expectancy in Nepal by 3.4 years: Report
Kathmandu: Air pollution has emerged as the leading health hazard for death and disability in Nepal, with the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region emerging as air pollution hotspots of the country, according to a new World Bank Report. The report stated that air pollution reduced life expectancy by 3.4 years for the average Nepali and caused approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually. The report titled 'Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions,' released on Tuesday, served as a foundational assessment of air pollution in the country and the airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills. "It (air pollution) affects labour productivity due to increased health-related absences and impaired cognition. The negative impact on the tourism industry and the aviation sector is also significant. The economic cost of poor air quality is estimated to exceed six per cent of Nepal's GDP each year," the report further added, highlighting the severe economic consequences. According to the report, the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai being the air pollution hotspots, have not witnessed any significant improvement over the past decade. "Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today. From setting stricter industrial emission standards to promoting electric transport, the government is committed to cleaning Nepal's air," said Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Nepal's Minister for Forests and Environment. The report suggested that the multi-sectoral and multi-regional nature of air pollution requires action on many fronts, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, household cooking, forest fires and transboundary pollution. "The World Bank is committed to helping Nepal strengthen its air quality improvement programs by leveraging financial and technical assistance and capacity-building support," said David Sislen, World Bank Country Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. "As a steadfast champion of clean air for better health and prosperity, the World Bank continues to tap into its extensive knowledge and experience from around the world to ensure that our efforts to support cleaner air in Nepal are impactful and sustainable," he further stated. According to the report, air pollution heavily contributes to various diseases: 75 per cent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases, 46 per cent of strokes, 44 per cent of ischemic heart disease, 41 per cent of lower respiratory infections, 38 per cent of lung cancer, 30 per cent of neonatal issues like low birth weight and preterm birth, and 20 per cent of diabetes.
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates World Environment Day by planting saplings
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 5 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings in its premises. In series of tweets, the Embassy of India said, 'The Embassy of India, Kathmandu @IndiaInNepal celebrated #WorldEnvironmentDay 2025 with the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. Hon'ble Minister of Forest & Environment of , Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Ambassador @IndiaInNepal, and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu planted saplings at the Embassy premises. Officials @IndiaInNepal and members of the Indian diaspora also took part.' India has always had a deep respect for nature. An official release, quoting the Atharva Veda, said, 'The Earth is our mother and we are her children.' 'Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ancient wisdom has been turned into strong and practical action. India has moved from being a follower in global climate efforts to becoming a leader. Through clear policies, public participation, and a strong push for clean energy and sustainability, the government is working to build a greener, healthier and more secure future for everyone.' At COP21 (Conference of Parties 21) in Paris, India pledged to achieve 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030; a goal met ahead of time in November 2021. At COP26 in Glasgow, PM Modi launched LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging sustainable habits and promoting mindful consumption over wasteful use. India also introduced the Panchamrit, five key targets for climate action. At COP29 in Baku (Nov 2024), India showcased its progress in climate adaptation and clean energy through global partnerships. Sessions focused on disaster-resilient infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, solar energy, and women-led climate action, in collaboration with Sweden, CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), ISA (International Solar Alliance) and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). (ANI)
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Black rocky hills have started to appear' - Experts witness the devastating toll of climate change on Mount Everest in eye-opening fly-by
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Want to see Mount Everest in all its glory? You might need to go sooner rather than later due to the devastating effects of climate change on the world's tallest mountain. In a recent fly-by, Nepali lawmakers and experts from across the globe witnessed a drastic reduction in snow coverage on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. The aerial survey was organized by Nepal's Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, to highlight the grave effects of climate change in the region. Alongside a reduction in snow coverage, passengers witnessed rapidly retreating glaciers as they passed multiple major Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Shishapangma, Makalu, and Lhotse. "In the past, wherever you looked, you would see snow-covered mountains. But now, black rocky hills have started to appear. The mountains that once looked completely white now appear as black peaks," Thakuri told the Asia News Network. "This mountain flight has shown the direct impact of climate change on the Himalayas. Foreign experts and guests, too, observed it first hand." The Himalayan region has experienced a dramatic drop in snowfall in recent years. This year alone, snow persistence (the time snow stays on the ground) in the Himalayas has reached a 23-year low. A report published in April by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) found "a significant decline in seasonal snow across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, with snow persistence 23.6% below normal - the lowest in 23 years". The reduction is seriously bad news for the two billion people who rely on Himalayan snowmelt to feed their water sources. The melting cycle fills 12 major river basins that provide water for multiple heavily populated countries like China, Pakistan, and Thailand. "This trend, now in its third consecutive year, threatens water security for nearly two billion people," explains author Sher Muhammad. "All twelve major river basins, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, experienced below-average snow cover, with the Mekong and Salween basins losing over 50%." Climate change in the Himalayan region poses multiple other significant risks, including the destruction of invaluable habitats and dangerous climbing conditions for Everest hopefuls. The best crampons: tested for sure-footed traction on frozen terrain The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain
