Defense Minister Manbir Rai stated that climate change caused by human activities has put wildlife and natural systems at risk. Speaking at a climbers’ conference held in Thame, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-5, he emphasized that seasonal change is a global issue, not just Nepal’s, and its impact is growing rapidly worldwide.
He highlighted the need for global unity to adopt adaptation measures, especially since greenhouse gas emissions from developed nations are the primary cause. Minister Rai stressed that developed countries must take responsibility for environmental destruction, noting that their production-based and tech-driven lifestyles have contributed significantly to global warming, affecting water, land, snow, and air.
The conference concluded with the release of a five-point “Thame Declaration,” developed through discussions among climbers, officials, environmentalists, and locals. The declaration calls for raising climate-related issues especially floods and landslides in areas like Thame at the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue in Kathmandu on Jestha 2 (May 15).
It also emphasizes the need to strengthen climate resilience in Himalayan communities, develop environmental justice and conservation-focused policies through collaboration, and unite climbers as climate ambassadors to amplify the Himalayan crisis globally.
