Nepal is one of the least contributors to global carbon emissions, is emerging as one of the most affected nations in the world due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. The Himalayan nation is witnessing a sharp increase in climate-induced disasters as glaciers melt rapidly, rainfall becomes erratic, and extreme weather events intensify.
Between mid-2018 and mid-2024, Nepal recorded 32,375 disaster incidents, 91.2% of which were climate-related, according to the Nepal Disaster Report 2024. These events resulted in 3,672 deaths, 446 missing persons, and over 11,700 injuries. Infrastructural damage was extensive, with more than 57,000 homes affected and over 43,000 public infrastructure units destroyed.
The primary factors contributing to Nepal’s vulnerability include its reliance on a rain-fed agricultural system, widespread deforestation, and rapid urban expansion. From 1990 to 2020, Nepal’s built-up areas expanded by 386%, while Kathmandu Valley lost nearly 28% of its forest cover between 1989 and 2019. The loss of tree cover and expansion of urban settlements have increased exposure to landslides and floods.
Melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region are aggravating these threats. The decline in snow persistence is directly impacting water availability for downstream communities and posing serious risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can result in catastrophic downstream flooding. This also threatens Nepal’s energy security, as more than 90% of its electricity comes from hydropower dependent on glacier-fed rivers.
Erratic rainfall patterns are undermining Nepal’s agricultural stability. Inconsistent monsoon rains and unseasonal weather have led to declining productivity and heightened food insecurity. This has also contributed to a growing public health burden, with poor nutrition leading to increased cases of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, particularly in rural and low-income urban communities.
The government’s own adaptation roadmap, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021–2050, acknowledges that over 80% of property losses from disasters are due to floods, landslides, and GLOFs. Yet implementation challenges persist. Experts highlight that while policy frameworks exist, there is a significant gap in enforcement, funding, and governance.
Climate-induced displacement is also on the rise, with people migrating from disaster-prone rural areas to urban centers or abroad. This internal movement is adding pressure to urban infrastructure and services already strained by unplanned development.
Biodiversity shifts are being observed as well, with high-altitude species such as snow leopards increasingly being spotted at lower elevations. These changes are viewed as early indicators of ecological disruption caused by rising temperatures.
To address the crisis, Nepal is advocating for increased international climate finance and compensation mechanisms, especially considering its role in conserving biodiversity and its geographical vulnerability. Domestic efforts are also focusing on improving irrigation, expanding climate-resilient agriculture, reducing methane emissions from rice fields, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Without urgent and systemic changes, experts warn that the country will face worsening crises. While Nepal continues to push for global solidarity, the current trajectory suggests that without stronger implementation and global support, the scale of future damage could grow significantly.