Can Nepal turn Himalayan vulnerability into a case for compensation?

The Bhotekoshi floods have pushed Nepal’s longstanding demand for climate justice into sharper focus. The disaster, which caused extensive loss of life and property on August 26, has become a powerful example of the risks facing Himalayan communities.

Scientists, officials and political leaders have linked the increasing intensity of mountain disasters to the broader effects of climate change. Prime Minister Balendra Shah told Parliament that the international community must recognize the flood as a warning about growing risks across the Himalayan region.

“Climate change is a global problem,” Shah said. “Mitigating and managing its impacts is a shared responsibility of the international community.” Nepal’s government argues that the country contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions while suffering disproportionate consequences from a changing climate.

The government’s appeal is not limited to rebuilding after a single disaster. It is also part of a broader argument that vulnerable countries should receive international support for loss and damage caused by climate change. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary have jointly written to the Board of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, seeking urgent assistance.

Their request follows a rapid assessment by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The assessment estimated losses from the Bhotekoshi floods at approximately 386.16 billion rupees and said early recovery should be completed within six months, at an estimated cost of 7.96 billion rupees.

Yet Nepal’s approach has drawn criticism. Madhu Raman Acharya, a former Nepal representative to the United Nations, questioned whether Kathmandu had completed enough diplomatic and technical preparation before approaching the fund. He said the request lacked sufficient supporting documents, a detailed proposal and a preliminary assessment establishing its basis.

That criticism highlights the challenge Nepal faces: demonstrating Himalayan vulnerability is not enough by itself. The country must also present the evidence and strategy needed to turn its climate risks into a case the international financing system can act on.

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Climate change is a global problem. Mitigating and managing its impacts is a shared responsibility of the international community.