India Urged to Support Nepal and Bhutan's Mountain Climate Proposal at COP 31
India Urged to Support Nepal and Bhutan's Mountain Climate Proposal at COP 31
IN · Published Nov 5, 2026
• Nepal and Bhutan have jointly submitted a proposal to the upcoming COP 31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, scheduled from 9 to 20 November
• The proposal, titled '1.5°C Warming in Mountains,' seeks formal recognition of the vulnerabilities faced by mountain regions due to climate change. It calls for the establishment of a dedicated Mountain Work Programme, improved scientific assessments, and better integration of mountain priorities into climate adaptation and finance mechanisms. The Hindu Kush Himalaya region, often referred to as the 'water tower of Asia,' supports freshwater and ecosystem services for approximately two billion people, including 240 million mountain residents and 1.65 billion downstream populations. The proposal aims to address the risks posed by glacier melt, floods, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts, which have far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water supply, and energy production across South Asia.

Impact & Risks

The proposal highlights the critical risks posed by climate change to the Himalayan region, which directly impacts India and its neighbours. The melting of glaciers and increased frequency of natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, threaten the livelihoods of millions. For India, the stakes are particularly high, as the Himalayan river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, are vital for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. Disruptions in these systems could lead to water stress, infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and displacement in densely populated areas downstream. The 2021 Chamoli disaster and recent Himalayan floods underscore the urgent need for coordinated regional action.

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