Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel on Monday urged all countries to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement, warning that both developed and developing nations must act to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Speaking at the opening of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Conference in Kathmandu, Paudel said rising temperatures in the region have accelerated snowmelt, floods, and erosion, creating mounting risks for communities. “Climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution are no longer scientific theories but harsh realities,” he said, calling on delegates to forge a common roadmap for sustainability.

The president stressed that water from the Hindu Kush Himalaya sustains more than 2 billion people, making the protection of the region’s biodiversity critical to safeguarding food security, culture, and economies.

Outlining Nepal’s own climate efforts, Paudel cited disaster early warning systems, hydropower cooperation, solar promotion, community forest management, wildlife monitoring, expanded protected areas, and the promotion of electric vehicles. He acknowledged, however, that stronger adaptation and resilience policies remain necessary.

Paudel expressed hope the conference would institutionalize parliamentary dialogue and boost regional cooperation to tackle shared climate challenges.