KATHMANDU: Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of Bangladesh, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, has expressed concern that Bangladesh's very existence might be imperiled by the melting of snow in the Himalayas in Nepal due to climate change.

Addressing the 'Global Dialogue on Mountain, People, and Climate,' which commenced in Kathmandu on Wednesday to draw global attention to the impact of climate change in the Himalayas, he stated that climate change has significantly impacted the region, leading to rapid melting of snow. This, in turn, could result in problems like flooding in Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi minister emphasized that the very existence of downstream and coastal regions is at risk due to Himalayan snowmelt, unless timely measures and adequate vigilance are adopted to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

He stressed the importance of focusing on minimizing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation to secure climate resilience.

"The developed countries emit 81 percent of the total global carbon emissions. Developing countries like Nepal and Bangladesh are suffering due to this. The developed countries have not fulfilled their commitments made at various climate conferences regarding reducing carbon emissions. They must be held accountable," he added.

Minister Hossain noted that the government alone cannot alleviate poverty and mitigate the impacts of climate change. He emphasized the need to manage the budget required for implementing climate change adaptation programs.

"Political will is needed to address the problems created by the adverse impacts of climate change," he reiterated.

Experts from 25 countries are participating in the Global Dialogue. More than 200 representatives from mountainous and small island nations, including Nepal, as well as members of the international community, development partners, INGOs, the private sector, and civil society, are attending the program.

The experts will deliberate on topics related to coordinating, prioritizing, and strengthening climate-resilient activities based on the mountain ecosystem. -- RSS