‘Not Charity, But Compensation’: Nepal Seeks Climate Justice After Deadly Floods

China, the United States, and India were the three countries that release the most greenhouse gases worldwide and that they had a "historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations like Nepal,"

By Sakshi

New Delhi, September 2:As the country is going with the disastrous impact of deadly flash floods, Nepal has initiated a diplomatic effort to demand climate-related reparations from major greenhouse gas emitters, including the US, China, and India.

The Himalayan nation contributes "virtually negligible" greenhouse gas emissions but is bearing a disproportionate share of the consequences of climate change, including rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said.

"We are paying the ultimate price for a global crisis we did not create." He stated in an interview with Kantipur TV, some of which were shown by The Kathmandu Post, that the rapid melting of glaciers and these devastating mountain tsunamis are direct effects of global climate change.

According to Khanal, Nepal is now demanding "justice and compensation" instead of "aid" in its diplomatic efforts.

He said that Nepal would bring up the issue "with absolute firmness and clarity" in international forums. "This is not a matter of charity; it is a matter of legal and moral liability," he added.

The Foreign Minister stated that China, the United States, and India were the three countries that release the most greenhouse gases worldwide and that they had a "historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations like Nepal," according to news agency PTI.

"This is a matter of civilisational survival. If our Himalayan glaciers disappear, the water security of over two billion people in South Asia dependent on rivers like the Ganges and the Trishuli will be permanently compromised. We are advocating not just for Nepal, but for the survival of South Asian civilization," he said.

In addition, Nepal has formally requested immediate financial support from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage in the wake of the flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River basin.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Forests and Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary jointly signed a letter stating that the tragedy had resulted in significant economic and non-economic damages that exceeded Nepal's immediate reaction capability.

 Khanal, Nepal is now demanding "justice and compensation" instead of "aid" in its diplomatic efforts.(sourced from X )

Nepal flood survivor words for India

Meanwhile, survivors of the August 26 floods have been relying on immediate support and assistance from neighbouring India.

The Nepal Bharat Maitri Bhawan, which is the house of Ayurveda and Alternative Hospital rebuilt with financial assistance from the Embassy of India in Nuwakot after the 2015 earthquake, has now become a refuge for lost residents.

"This building is a post-earthquake reconstruction, and it was assisted financially by the Embassy of India," said hospital chief Dr. Narendra Prasad Giri, adding that over 100 displaced individuals were staying at the facility every night, while medical teams were also being sent to adjacent shelters. This structure serves as the people's main source of support. Giri told ANI, "We brought many devastated people who were rescued from there and treated them; their health is now stable."

One survivor reported that hospital staff comforted him after he was hurt, remembering how floodwaters carried him away while he was attempting to save his goats.

"Here, the doctors and sisters (nurses) told me, 'Don't cry, we will save you, treat your wounds, apply medicine, and make you fine right here.' They are treating me and helping me; I'm receiving good care and facilities," he stated.

"The Indian government is like our neighbouring nation, a friend," he told ANI, expressing gratitude for India's support. "The Indian government has been quite helpful to us since this occurred in Nepal. India is powerful and like God to us."