Nepal and Bhutan have jointly called for stronger international action to address the growing impact of climate change on mountain regions, proposing a special agenda at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The two Himalayan nations have submitted a proposal requesting the inclusion of a dedicated agenda item titled "1.5°C Warming in Mountains" at COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. Nepal's Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, submitted the proposal on behalf of both governments under Rule 12 of the conference's draft rules of procedure.
The proposal seeks to bring the climate risks faced by mountain regions, particularly the Hindu Kush Himalaya, into the centre of global climate discussions. It warns that rising temperatures are threatening glaciers, biodiversity, freshwater supplies, food production, energy security and the livelihoods of millions of people living in mountain communities.
Why Are Nepal and Bhutan Raising the Issue?
Mountain regions are among the areas facing serious risks from climate change. Rising temperatures are affecting glaciers, snow cover and permafrost, increasing the chances of floods, landslides and other climate-related disasters.
According to the joint proposal, mountain regions cover nearly one-quarter of the Earth's land surface, support around 15 percent of the global population and contain approximately half of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
The rivers that originate in these mountains also provide freshwater to more than two billion people. These water systems support agriculture, electricity production, industries and daily life across several countries.
For Nepal, the issue is especially important because the Himalayas are directly connected to the country's water resources, farming communities, hydropower projects and mountain tourism.
The two countries argue that damage to mountain ecosystems does not remain limited to high-altitude communities. Changes in glaciers and rainfall patterns can also affect people living far downstream, making mountain climate protection an international concern.
Nepal's Recent Disasters Highlight Growing Climate Risks
Nepal has experienced several destructive floods and other disasters in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of mountain communities and infrastructure.
The joint proposal refers to major disasters, including the Melamchi floods of 2021, the Kathmandu Valley and Thame events in 2024, the Ilam disaster in 2025 and the Bhote Koshi disaster in 2026.
These incidents highlight the risks faced by mountain settlements, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other important infrastructure from extreme rainfall, floods, landslides and hazards linked to changes in glaciers and other parts of the cryosphere.
The proposal also points to the economic impact of the 2026 Bhote Koshi disaster. Citing Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, it states that approximately US$4.7 billion would be needed to reconstruct damaged property and infrastructure. This amount is equivalent to 10 percent of Nepal's gross domestic product (GDP), according to the submission.
The countries argue that vulnerable communities need stronger disaster preparedness, better early warning systems and financial support to recover from climate-related damage.
What Are Nepal and Bhutan Asking for at COP31?
Nepal and Bhutan have outlined several key priorities in their proposal to the international climate community.
First, they want more scientific research into how 1.5°C of global warming, including the possibility of temporarily exceeding that level, could affect mountain regions. This would help governments better understand the risks to glaciers, water supplies and mountain communities.
Second, they are calling for an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change. Such a meeting would allow countries to regularly discuss mountain-related challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
Third, the two countries want the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to begin work towards establishing a dedicated Mountain Ecosystems Work Programme. This would give mountain-related climate issues greater attention within international climate negotiations.
Finally, they are asking countries to include mountain-specific needs in climate adaptation plans, climate finance arrangements and loss and damage support mechanisms.
The proposal also highlights the need for cooperation between countries sharing mountain river systems, including better disaster risk management, early warning systems and the exchange of climate-related information.
Why Does the 1.5°C Climate Target Matter?
The 1.5°C target refers to the global temperature limit that countries are working to achieve under the Paris Agreement.
Scientists have warned that every additional rise in global temperatures can increase the risks of extreme weather, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and damage to natural ecosystems.
For mountain regions, warming can accelerate glacier loss, change the timing and availability of freshwater, and increase the risk of dangerous events such as glacial lake outburst floods.
These changes can affect communities that depend on mountain water sources for drinking water, agriculture and electricity.
Nepal and Bhutan argue that mountain regions need greater attention in global climate discussions because their environmental changes can affect millions of people beyond their borders.
COP31 Could Give Mountain Countries a Stronger Voice
The upcoming COP31 conference in Antalya will bring together governments and other international stakeholders to discuss climate action and the implementation of global climate commitments.
For Nepal and Bhutan, the proposed mountain agenda is an opportunity to make sure the challenges faced by Himalayan communities receive greater attention in international climate negotiations.
The proposal also builds on Nepal's efforts to highlight the connection between the Himalayas and the wider climate crisis, including discussions promoted through the Sagarmatha Sambad and its Sagarmatha Call for Action in May 2025.
However, the proposed agenda item has not yet been confirmed as an adopted COP31 agenda item. Its inclusion will depend on the formal conference process and discussions among participating countries.
If accepted, the proposal could help create a more organised international approach to protecting mountain ecosystems, supporting vulnerable communities and securing financial assistance for countries facing growing climate-related losses.
For Nepal and Bhutan, the message is clear: protecting the Himalayas is not only a regional responsibility but also an important part of protecting water, food, energy and environmental security for people around the world.
