India calls for unified action to protect Himalayan ecosystems at Sagarmatha Summit

New Delhi, May 16: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attending Sagaarmatha summit in Kathmandu, reaffirmed India’s commitment to global climate action, urging greater collaboration among Himalayan nations to protect mountain ecosystems.

He emphasised that South Asia, despite contributing only 4% of historical CO₂ emissions, remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

Yadav called on developed countries to fulfill promises on climate finance and technology transfer, and proposed a five-point agenda focusing on scientific cooperation, climate resilience, community empowerment, green finance, and global recognition of mountain issues.

Highlighting initiatives like the International Big Cats Alliance and Project Snow Leopard, he stressed the need for cross-border conservation efforts. “India stands ready to partner with mountain nations to protect our shared ecological heritage,” he concluded. The summit saw participation from leaders including Nepal’s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev.