Nepal is demanding greater international support after a catastrophic Himalayan flood disaster killed more than 900 people and left thousands missing. The country says the disaster could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion to rebuild, nearly 10% of Nepal’s economy. Nepal is now pushing for climate-related financial support, arguing that vulnerable Himalayan nations are facing the consequences of a warming planet despite contributing relatively little to global emissions. Nepal has highlighted major emitters including China, the United States and India in its climate accountability argument. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for “justice and compensation” and warned that the Himalayan crisis is a threat extending beyond Nepal, with India, China, Bhutan and Nepal connected by the region’s fragile ecology.
