Climate change is not just a problem for the future. It has consequences every day, everywhere

Vandana Shiva, eco-feminist activist

Climate change has severe consequences for the Earth and poses a global threat to all life forms. Through this two-part series, we will explore its impact on our intervention regions: Nepal and India.

Some regions of the world today are facing increasingly frequent extreme weather events and heavy rainfall. As explained by the United Nations, climate change is causing intense heatwaves and droughts. This is why Nepal has recently experienced one of the most severe wildfire seasons in its history.

A Dangerous Rise in Temperatures

In 2024, Southeast Asia recorded new temperature highs, showing us that the region is particularly vulnerable to the warming climate.

Most Nepalese districts have experienced an average annual temperature increase of 0.056 degrees Celsius (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation).

Climate change directly affects individuals’ well-being, significantly increasing the risk of crop failure, unemployment,and general health risks for the 70% of the population working in agriculture.

It also creates conditions for forest fires, which can easily ignite and quickly become uncontrollable in a country where forests cover 45% of its total area.

Kapilvastu, located in southwestern Nepal in Lumbini province, is home to half of the country’s population. It is the second hottest region in the country, reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit) in June 2024. It is very vulnerable to climate change due to its subtropical, flat, and dry climate.

Sometimes, the heat becomes so unbearable that some people end up losing their lives. This season has also been marked by the emergence of a large number of food and waterborne diseases.

Humlal Adhikari, Program Coordinator in Kapilvastu


Devastating Fires

Wildfires caused by drought, heat and lightning ravaged western Nepal between February and May 2024. In Lumbini, 11,448 hectares of forest were destroyed.

However, certain old customs significantly contribute to these phenomena. Agricultural residue burning, fires set by poachers to trap wild animals, or simple human negligence have all played a role in their increase.

These actions are exacerbated by global warming, induced by human activity worldwide.

These fires highlight the existential threat that the climate crisis poses to biodiversity and our existence.

Adverse weather conditions lead to financial losses for many people, especially those working in agriculture. Climate change also degrades the quality of children’s education and promotes malnutrition.

Humlal Adhikari

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Karuna is committed to taking local action in response to these disasters. Through campaigns and prevention programs we are raising awareness among the most vulnerable populations about the impacts of climate change, We are particularly targeting the younger generation.

Sustainable change must begin by rethinking our customary habits.

We hope to restore ecological balance by preventing  soil erosion, encouraging the adoption of more nature-friendly behaviors, and creating new opportunities through sustainable forestry.

In this spirit, tree-planting initiatives and waste management programs enable local populations to be more mindful of their behavior and to preserve their ecosystems.

Acting Together for the Future 

After the intense heat, more extreme weather returns: the rainy season. In this season villagers face different challenges, including flooding and landslides. It is urgent to act today against climate disruption and its consequences for all living beings.

We must prepare the next generation for a sustainable future.

Let’s act together to strengthen the resilience of communities affected by climate change.
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The ecological crisis we have triggered is the great challenge of the 21st century. It is essential to act with determination and discernment to implement solutions at both the governmental level and through our actions in our daily lives according to the recommendations advocated by scientists.

Matthieu Ricard

India, where we work with disadvantaged populations, is also facing climatic challenges. Find out more about their impact and the incredible resilience of communities in our feature on extreme heat waves in Nepal and India.

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