Nepal's hydropower a climate change solution

Many parts of the world have been suffering from scorching heat again. The eastern United States is currently experiencing its first round of extreme high temperatures this year, with record-breaking highs in many areas on June 23 and 24, affecting over a hundred million Americans. And this week, the high temperatures in the North China Plain escalated, with many areas experiencing scorching heat. Last year was the hottest on record.

Extreme weather has been exacerbating the climate crisis. The damage caused by climate change can be seen everywhere: sea levels are rising faster than ever (more than 4 millimeters a year), Himalayan glaciers are melting 65 percent faster than they did just a decade ago, climate disasters such as droughts and devastating floods have become more calamitous and frequent, and the loss of biodiversity has quickened. It's no longer about just saving the environment, but also about protecting humanity. To survive the climate crisis, we must urgently embrace zero-carbon economy.

In addressing the climate challenge, Nepal, a small Himalayan country rich in rivers and clean water, has a powerful role to play. Despite having more than 6,000 rivers and the potential to generate up to 72,000 MW of hydropower, Nepal is becoming a climate victim. Yet Nepal remains a major contributor to climate solutions, which could help Asian countries and save the planet.