Former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has criticized world powers and Nepal’s political leadership for their lack of seriousness regarding the global climate change and environmental crisis. He expressed this concern while addressing the 36th annual general assembly of the Nepal Diabetes Association in Kathmandu on Saturday.
Dr. Yadav lamented that despite repeated warnings from scientific evidence, leaders at the policy-making level are either downplaying the issue or dismissing it as ‘falsehood.’ He stated that this attitude is unfortunate and poses a significant threat to the planet’s future.
Chure Conservation: A Past Priority
Recalling his tenure as president, Dr. Yadav emphasized his administration’s high priority on the conservation of the Chure region. He reiterated his long-held view that protecting the Chure range is crucial for preserving Himalayan glaciers, maintaining the ecological balance of the hills, and preventing the fertile plains of the Terai from turning into desert.
However, he expressed dismay that neither the government nor any political party has taken his suggestions on this matter seriously. Dr. Yadav voiced concern over the tendency to disregard warnings and factual reports from international scientific bodies concerning climate change.
Global Inaction and Its Consequences
“The world is currently facing the severe challenges of environmental crisis and global warming,” Dr. Yadav stated. “However, the necessary foresight is lacking among global leaders and even our country’s political parties.” He added, “When I was president, I consistently highlighted the need for Chure conservation. If we can save the Chure, we can protect the snows of the Himalayas, the environment of the hills, and the fertile land of the Terai. But the government and political parties have not taken this issue seriously.”
He further noted that the dismissal of climate change debates as ‘falsehood’ by powerful leaders in countries like the United States exacerbates the crisis for Earth’s future. Dr. Yadav warned that this political neglect of environmental issues will further complicate human existence and the exploitation of natural resources.
“It is regrettable that some world leaders dismiss scientific reports on climate change, calling them false,” he said. “Meanwhile, scientists from the United Nations have been continuously warning about the risks of climate change. If we do not prioritize environmental conservation now, future generations will bear its severe consequences.”
The event also saw the felicitation of centenarian Nani Baba Pradhan with a ‘kadarpatra’ (letter of appreciation) in the Newari cultural tradition for her significant contributions and donations to the Diabetes Association.
