Report

This is one of the six reports produced under the National Capacity Self-Assessment for Global Environment Management project. It discusses the national obligations and opportunities for Nepal under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; overview on the status on climate change (GHG inventory, climate change vulnerability and adaptation; impacts, and national initiatives) and a review of capacity building efforts.

Using RClimDex, this paper analyzed daily temperature data for 36 years (1971 to 2006) and precipitation data for 46 years (1961-2006) of Nepal. General increasing trend has been observed in temperature extremes. Findings suggest complex processes in precipitation extremes but at the same time there is indication that more weather related extreme events like floods and landslides can be expected in future.

Exponential growth of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is causing climate change. It affects agriculture, forestry, human health, biodiversity, snow coverand aquatic to mountain ecosystems. Changes in climatic factors like temperature, solar radiation and precipitation have potential to influence crop production. Despite many efforts possible on combating impacts of climate change, there are still difficulties in Nepalese agriculture. With an average of 0.06oC/year, a rise in temperature from 1975 to 2006 by 1.8oC has been recorded in the country.

This paper explains how climate change is affecting women and why it is necessary to integrate a gender perspective into the design of national policies and mitigation and adaptation strategies. The first part provides some information about climate change in Nepal and about the Government’s efforts to address the issues arising. The second part examines the conditions and status of women in Nepal, particularly in the mountains, and provides some examples of how climate change is affecting them. Finally, the paper offers some conclusions and recommendations.