Addressing triple planetary crisis: Air Pollution, Biodiversity loss and Climate Change

Background and Rationale

Global Context

Air pollution is one of the leading environmental and health risks globally, contributing to an estimated 8 million premature deaths in 2021, according to the State of Global Air 2024 report. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing vehicle emissions are major contributors to deteriorating air quality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Especially for the Hindu Kush Himalaya, air pollution is further exacerbated by residential burning of biomass and other fuels. In addition, to transboundary pollution, changing land-use patterns, and the growing frequency of wildfires further complicate the issue.

Regional context

Given the delicate ecosystems of the HKH region and the millions of people depending on its resources, tackling air pollution is essential. Particularly affecting disadvantaged mountain communities, women, and small children, pollution increases health hazards, speeds glacial melt, and compromises water security. Though awareness is growing, regionally coordinated, mountain-specific strategies are missing. The Sagarmatha Sambaad is a vital forum for promoting regional cooperation, dialogue, and lasting commitment to clean air.

National context

Air pollution in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu Valley, has become a major environmental and health crisis. In April, conditions worsened hitting all time high putting Kathmandu as 2nd most polluted city in the world. Rapid urbanization, rising vehicle numbers, industrial emissions, construction, and biomass burning all contribute. Nepal’s valley geography traps pollution, especially in winter, worsening health risks like respiratory and heart diseases, and harming agriculture, tourism, and overall quality of life.

Objective of the Session

This parallel session aims to:

  • Highlight the current state of air quality in South Asia and with a focus on mountain communities and Nepal.
  • Key enablers and barriers for air pollution mitigation
  • Generate actionable recommendations and pathways to strengthen regional cooperation and investment.

Opening session

Chair: Honorable State Minister of Forests and Environment Ms. Rupa BK

Moderator: Dr Maheswar Rupakheti, Vice Chair IPCC AR 7 WG1

Time

Programme

Resource person

09:00-09:05

Opening remarks by Chair

Honorable State Minister of Forests and Environment Ms. Rupa BK

09:05-09:10

Special Remarks

Dr. Abdalah Mokssit, Secretary, IPCC

09:10-09:25

Keynote

Dr Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD

Panel Discussion

Moderator: Dr Maheswar Rupakheti, Vice Chair IPCC AR 7 WG1

Time

Activity

09:20 –10:20

Panelists:

  • Sonam Tashi, Director, Environment and Climate Change Division Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Eklabya Sharma, Strategic Advisor and Distinguished Fellow, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
  • Ann Jeannette Glauber, Practice Manager, East Asia and the Pacific Region, Environment, World Bank
  • Qianggong Zhang, Strategic Group Lead – Climate and Environmental Risks, ICIMOD
  • Hussain Rasheed, Director, Department of Healthier Populations and Non-Communicable Diseases (HPN), WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
  • Ram Lal Verma, Science Manager – Super Pollutants, Clean Air Fund

Panel Design

  • Introduction of the session and the panelists by the moderator (5 min)
  • Question to each panelist (4-5 min each)
  • Floor open for discussion (20 min)
  • Summary and take away by the moderator (5 min)

10:20 – 10:30

Closing remarks by Chair