According to NepalNews.com,
"While, other South Asian nations will also be affected by sea-level rise, Nepal will be largely affected by the melting of snow in the Himalayas and the changes in climatic pattern.
The vulnerability index also takes into account the region's poverty level, preparedness to combat impacts of climate change, and high dependency on natural factors for food."
Rapid deforestation, dependence on forests for majority of domestic energy need and food supply directly dependent on rain and climate pattern has Nepal on the front-line of climate change. Unfortunately, because of unstable political and social environment, climate change and related issues are being pushed to the sidelines.
In an interview with this blogger, Ganesh Shah-former Minister for Science and Technology for the Nepali government which was pushed out in 2009 following a row with the military; expressed his frustration over what Nepal is not doing with regards to preparing for climate change. He blamed the instability, saying that a country which doesn't even have a basic things straightened out cannot be expected to tackle complex issues like climate change.
Mr. Shah, though, sounded optimistic about the role of the youth and private groups in dealing with climate change and environmental issues.
It would be premature to completely write off any and all climate change efforts made by Nepal; but compared to the severity of the matter-almost nothing is being done.
