UN chief links Nepal flood to global climate crisis at 81st session of UNGA

KATHMANDU: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has directed global attention to the recent Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal as stark evidence of the escalating climate crisis. Speaking today at the opening of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, he highlighted that mountain nations are experiencing some of the most severe impacts of rising global temperatures.

Guterres cautioned that the world will face further hazards due to accelerated glacier melt. He reminded world leaders of his previous message delivered directly from Nepal, noting that some initially viewed his concerns as an exaggeration.

"I had issued warning three years back that the world roof was caving in," he stated, adding that the devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi flood proves the consequences of climate change are materialising faster, with greater intensity and severity than anticipated.

The Secretary-General stressed that climate change is a current reality rather than a future threat, pointing out the inherent injustice that countries with minimal carbon emissions are suffering the most severe consequences. He argued that the nations most responsible for pollution must bear the financial cost, while vulnerable countries require urgent compensation and assistance.

"There is not adequate budget in the dedicated fund for loss and damage. I urge the developed countries to abide by their climate finance commitments," the UN chief said.

He concluded by calling on representatives at the assembly to triple their climate adaptation financing and to mobilise further resources for the loss and damage fund.