Von: Divya Adhikari und Sanjima Jugjali Pun
The Himalayas are a major resource of fresh water and agricultural irrigation for nearly two billion people and the whole ecosystem in surrounding areas. However, climate change is rapidly affecting this fragile ecosystem, with far-reaching effects both on regional and global scales.
German Summary: Der Himalaya, eine lebenswichtige Süßwasserquelle für fast zwei Milliarden Menschen, steht durch den Klimawandel unter massivem Druck. Gletscher schmelzen 65 Prozent schneller als zuvor. Bis 2100 könnten im östlichen Himalaya bis zu 75 Prozent des Eises verloren gehen, was Wassermangel und steigende Meeresspiegel zur Folge hat.
Aktivisten wie Umesh Balal Magar und Sagar Koirala fordern mehr Klimafinanzierung und eine stärkere Rolle der Medien. Sie kritisieren die Konzentration auf städtische Themen und plädieren für eine Berichterstattung, die auch ländliche Herausforderungen einbezieht. Nur durch globale Solidarität und ethische Medienarbeit können nachhaltige Lösungen erreicht werden.
Melting Glaciers and Water Scarcity
Recent studies by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Himalayan glaciers have been melting at a rate 65 percent faster in the last decade compared to previous ones. If global temperatures rise by 3° C, the Eastern Himalayas could lose up to 75 percent of their ice by 2100. This threatens the flow of major rivers like the Ganges and Indus, endangering water supplies for millions while contributing to rising sea levels.
Media’s Role in Climate Action
Local outlets like Nepali Times and Kathmandu Post have worked on the grassroots impacts of climate change, while international publications like The Guardian highlight global effects. However, much of the coverage is event-driven, often overshadowing long-term effects.
Activist Voices on Climate Advocacy and Media Coverage
To understand the role of advocacy and media in tackling these challenges, we spoke with two prominent climate advocates.
" Issues like Himalayan climate crises and recent disasters, such as floods and landslides, highlight our urgent need for climate finance and adaptation measures. “We aim to secure support from the Global North, which bears greater responsibility for emissions, ” says Umesh.
Umesh has been actively involved in climate advocacy for six years, attending four COP summits. He emphasized Nepal’s unique challenges as a mountainous country in the Global South.
Umesh also highlighted the role of the media in amplifying climate issues. He says, “ When the media highlights government policies under revision, it can prompt public consultation and ensure inclusivity. However, the coverage often remains Kathmandu-centric, leaving rural struggles unheard. ”
Umesh believes the media must bridge the gap between urban narratives and the realities of rural communities to ensure comprehensive climate justice.
Sagar Koirala is a young climate activist, agriculture researcher, and sustainability practitioner. Sagar previously served as the Asia Pacific Regional Focal Point of the World Food Forum and is currently a mentor of the World Food Forum Nepal Chapter.
“Despite contributing less than 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Nepal is the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change, " says Koirala. This realization inspired him to mobilize youth, raising awareness and advocating for the issue.
“Nepalese media has made progress, but climate change often takes a backseat to political issues,” Sagar notes. “Topics like glacier melting and forest fires have gained more attention recently, but reporting still lacks depth. The rise of alternative media is encouraging, but we need more ethical and accurate storytelling.”
Sagar envisions a future where youth-driven advocacy and informed media coverage work hand in hand to inspire tangible change.
