Nepal pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, earlier than the global target of 2050, while preparing for middle-income status by 2026. Despite contributing only 0.03% to global emissions, the country is highly vulnerable to climate change. Challenges include policy inconsistencies and technological dependence, while untapped hydropower offers an opportunity to meet energy needs sustainably. Achieving these targets will require significant funding and structural transformations across key sectors.
Nepal is positioned to graduate from a least developed country to a middle-income status by 2026, pledging to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045, five years earlier than the global aim of 2050. This raises crucial questions about Nepal’s readiness, especially given its aspirations for rapid economic growth while facing significant geographic and topographical limitations.
With a minimal share of around 0.03% in global emissions, Nepal remains vulnerable to climate change, experiencing irregular rainfall, glacier retreat, and increased natural disasters impacting rural communities. Following the Paris Agreement’s mandates, Nepal ratified it in 2015, submitting its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2016, which aims to implement clean energy advancements and sustainable practices in various sectors.
A 2020 analysis highlighted that Nepal struggled to meet many of the first NDC’s targets due to insufficient political commitment, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity. In response, the second NDC was presented in 2020, aligning with Nepal’s National Climate Change Policy to focus on energy, transportation, agriculture, and waste management as core sectors.
While larger emitters like China and India have set longer timelines for reaching net zero, Nepal’s targets for 2045 demand significant financial resources, estimated at $33 billion, with international support required for most of the outlined goals. The NDC implementation plan aims to facilitate the transition with a clear roadmap and required funding strategies.
Key challenges for Nepal include reliance on fossil fuels and traditional energy sources, alongside infrastructural inefficiencies and governance issues, which hinder progress toward net zero. Moreover, policy inconsistencies, particularly regarding electric vehicle adoption, jeopardize momentum in developing sustainable transportation solutions.
Despite these hurdles, opportunities exist to enhance Nepal’s low-carbon potential, particularly through untapped hydroelectric resources that could supplement energy needs while reducing fossil fuel reliance. However, transitioning hastily to net zero without thorough analysis, as seen in Sri Lanka’s recent setbacks, could lead to economic disruptions.
Nepal’s ambitions for a 2045 net zero target necessitate extensive funding, sectoral transformations, and stakeholder collaboration. As the third NDC is drafted, attention must focus on addressing identified gaps and aligning development goals with sustainable practices to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Nepal faces a critical juncture as it aims for a net zero target by 2045 amidst substantial economic and climatic challenges. The nation’s path includes evaluating funding needs, addressing policy inconsistencies, and mobilizing stakeholder engagement. Careful planning will be essential to ensure that emissions reductions coincide with the goals of economic growth and sustainable development, ultimately shaping Nepal’s trajectory towards a low-carbon future.
Original Source: asianews.network
