Nepal’s foreign minister has called on wealthy nations to take greater responsibility for addressing climate change impacts on countries least responsible for the crisis. The appeal follows a devastating flood late last month triggered by the collapse of a glacial mountain near the Nepal-China border, which has been described by scientists as a “compound crisis” caused by local geological instability combined with long-term glacier retreat and permafrost thaw due to global warming.

The disaster resulted in more than 1,400 confirmed deaths, with some 6,000 people still unaccounted for. The economic damage is estimated in the billions of dollars, with preliminary government assessments placing the cost at around US$5 billion. The event stands as one of the worst catastrophes in Nepal’s history, highlighting the immediate and severe consequences of climate change.

Speaking during the United Nations high-level week in New York, Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal emphasized that the country has contributed minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions but faces disproportionate repercussions. Nepal generates over 90% of its electricity from hydropower, and electric vehicles make up more than 70% of new car sales, with the nation responsible for just 0.1% of global emissions. “Why should only we, who have not had any contribution to this issue, bear the burden?” Khanal asked.

Khanal urged wealthy countries not only to respond promptly after disasters but also to provide sustained financing to build climate resilience in vulnerable communities. He reported that the United States had recently pledged US$31 million to support flood recovery efforts, while members of the G7 and the United Kingdom have indicated informal commitments to aid Nepal. Despite these contributions, the scale of Nepal’s needs far exceeds current support.

Nepal has formally requested US$20 million from the United Nations’ Loss and Damage fund, established in 2022 to address economic losses related to climate change and financed principally by wealthy nations. However, Nepal’s request represents a small fraction of the overall cost, and access to such funding can take considerable time due to complex allocation processes. Khanal called for reforms to expedite disbursements and increase available resources, stating that the international community must “rethink” its approach. He expressed hope that upcoming pledges at the UN climate summit in Dubai in November would enhance financial backing.

In addition to international aid, Nepal has welcomed support from neighboring countries, rescue teams, and contributions from the Nepalese diaspora. Since the election of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, a former rapper who rose to power through a youth-led movement, there has been a shift in diaspora giving—from international organizations to direct donations to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Khanal also highlighted the need for advanced early warning systems to better predict and respond to such disasters. He acknowledged the limitations of current infrastructure, noting the absence of international systems capable of forecasting complex cascade events like the recent flood. While past U.S. administrations have faced criticism for cutting aid programs in Nepal, including those focused on flood prediction and glacier monitoring, Khanal emphasized the ongoing necessity for technical and financial assistance to develop satellite-based monitoring and early warning technologies crucial for mitigating future risks.