World Environment Day 2026: Sustainable climate and environment-friendly development stressed

Kathmandu: Emphasis has been laid that all development efforts should be sustainable and climate-friendly, keeping the growing effects of climate change in mind.

At a programme organised on the occasion of World Environment Day today, speakers expressed their views that environment conservation and economic prosperity should be taken ahead simultaneously.

On the occasion, National Planning Commission member Dr Sanjay Acharya pointed out the need of taking ahead the environment conservation and economic prosperity together, adopting the new concepts of development.

Stating that the government has been contributing to environment conservation through promotion of solar energy and electric vehicles, he underlined that the initiative taken for long-term management of batteries of electric vehicles is positive.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma, stressed that climate and nature-friendly development was indispensable for a prosperous future.

He mentioned that students should be made aware by including environment and climate education in the school curriculum, as well as informing farmers about the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures. Sharma underscored the need for collaboration among government, private sector, development partners and communities to face the climate crisis.

Likewise, Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, stressed the effective implementation of the concept of sustainable development in the present situation where the effects of climate change are growing rapidly.

All sides should be serious in the implementation of citizens’ fundamental rights to live in a clean environment, he opined.

On the occasion, Assistant Country Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bijaya Singh said that climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing air pollution have appeared as global challenges. He stressed the need for effective implementation of international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the zero-carbon emission strategy.

Former Minister Ganesh Shah highlighted the need for elevated investment in the sector of climate change and the environment. He further said scientific research, technology development, and evidence-based policy should be given top priority to effectively counter the climate crisis.

The Department has informed that it has set a target to transform around 400 industries into clean energy, which would help lower industrial pollution.

RSS