An Urgent Call for Climate Justice in Nepal

By Chetna Gill

Cover Image Attribute: Nepal's Himalayan landscape / Image by Nasib Pandey from Pixabay

This opinion piece is inspired by research conducted by Prajjwal Dhungana, which underscores the critical relationship between climate change and income inequality in Nepal. The findings urge us to rethink our approaches to both climate action and social justice, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change. 
Climate change is a critical global challenge, but its impacts are unevenly distributed across different regions and communities. Vulnerable and marginalized groups often face the worst consequences of climate-related adversities, dealing with both environmental degradation and pre-existing socio-economic disparities. A research paper published by Prajjwal Dhungana in Atlantic Economic Journal highlights this issue, specifically examining the link between climate change and income inequality in Nepal. 
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has long pointed out that climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. Dhungana's research provides concrete evidence supporting this claim, demonstrating that marginalized communities in Nepal are particularly hard hit. These communities, already grappling with geographical disadvantages and limited capacity to adapt, find their challenges amplified by the detrimental effects of climate change. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing how climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, which is crucial for developing effective climate justice policies.
Understanding the relationship between climate change and income inequality is vital for creating targeted interventions that promote equity and resilience. The research calls for urgent policy measures that not only mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change but also address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of marginalized groups. By focusing on climate justice, policymakers can ensure that the benefits of climate action are shared equitably and that the most vulnerable populations are protected and supported in adapting to changing conditions. This comprehensive approach is essential for building a fair and sustainable future for all.
While the broader impacts of climate change on global inequality are well-documented, the specific effects within individual countries remain underexplored. Dhungana’s research addresses this gap by using household-level microdata from the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS), combined with comprehensive climate data from NASA, to analyze how temperature changes influence household income. The results are alarming: even a slight 0.01-degree Celsius rise in temperature can cause a 1.79% decrease in per-capita income in Nepal. This finding underscores the urgent need to address the economic repercussions of climate change, especially for the country's poorest households.
Also, the study reveals that the adverse effects of rising temperatures are most pronounced among lower-income groups, with the poorest quartile being the hardest hit. This is particularly concerning because many of these households rely heavily on agriculture, a sector extremely vulnerable to climate variations. As agricultural incomes decline due to increasing temperatures, the income disparity between rich and poor widens, deepening existing inequalities. This dynamic not only threatens the livelihoods of the most vulnerable but also exacerbates the overall socio-economic divide within the country.
The policy implications of  the research are significant and there is a critical need for comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Nepal. This includes implementing robust social protection measures for impoverished communities and developing climate-resilient agricultural practices to safeguard livelihoods. Furthermore, the research highlights a moral imperative for developed nations, which are major contributors to global warming, to support vulnerable countries like Nepal. These countries, despite contributing minimally to the climate crisis, bear its most severe consequences and require substantial assistance to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the necessity of improved longitudinal data collection on income and climate factors. Enhanced data gathering would facilitate more accurate and consistent estimates, allowing for a deeper understanding of the causal relationships involved. By conducting cross-country comparisons, researchers could develop a more comprehensive theoretical framework to better grasp how climate change intersects with inequality on a global scale.
In conclusion, the findings underscore the urgent need for climate justice, especially for vulnerable populations in countries like Nepal. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, it is crucial to prioritize policies that protect the most affected communities, ensuring that climate action is both effective and equitable. This involves not only addressing the environmental challenges but also tackling the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by climate change.
The time for decisive action is now, and the responsibility to act rests with all of us. Governments, international organizations, and individuals must collaborate to implement strategies that mitigate climate change impacts and support those most at risk. By committing to equitable climate policies and enhancing our understanding of the complex interplay between climate and inequality, we can work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

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