Nepal and Bhutan's Climate Agenda Faces Setback at COP31: What’s Next?

At COP31 in Antalya, proposals from Nepal and Bhutan aimed at addressing mountain-related climate issues were not included in the formal agenda due to a lack of support from major negotiating blocs. Despite some backing from Least Developed Countries, developed nations showed reluctance. The Nepali Foreign Minister emphasized the urgent need for recognition of mountain ecosystems as global temperatures rise. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by these nations in securing necessary support for adaptation and mitigation efforts. As the world grapples with climate change, the fate of mountain regions hangs in the balance, prompting calls for greater attention and action.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 18:10 IST

Challenges for Mountain Nations at COP31

Antalya (Turkey): At the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), proposals from Nepal and Bhutan, along with Kyrgyzstan, aimed at establishing formal agenda items focused on mountain-related issues did not receive the necessary support from key negotiating groups, according to Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.

In an interview at COP31, Khanal expressed that without backing from major nations, the three countries would continue to struggle for enhanced recognition of mountain-related challenges.

While some countries showed support for the proposals, others were hesitant.

Nepal and Bhutan sought a dedicated forum to discuss the effects of a 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in temperature on mountain ecosystems, including glaciers, water resources, and local communities.

Additionally, they proposed a scientific evaluation, an annual high-level political dialogue, and a specific UN climate work program addressing mountain ecosystems, as well as the integration of mountain-specific priorities into global climate adaptation and financing frameworks.

Kyrgyzstan also suggested establishing an annual dialogue on mountains and climate change as a permanent agenda item for the UN climate body's subsidiary meetings, with outcomes reported to the Conference of the Parties.

COP31 began on Monday in Antalya, Turkey.

The proposals were included as items 20 and 18 in the supplementary provisional agenda released by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on November 6.

However, they were not maintained as distinct agenda items when the agenda was adopted on Monday.

Despite this setback, parties agreed that the COP31 presidency would engage in consultations regarding mountain-related issues, which will also be part of an upcoming research dialogue and discussions in subsidiary meetings scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Khanal noted that the lack of support from major blocs complicated the negotiation process. He stated, "We pushed as hard as we could, but there were mixed reactions in the room. Some countries explicitly supported our agenda, while others were quite reluctant."

A source familiar with the discussions indicated that developed nations showed little interest when the proposals were formally presented.

The agenda concerning the Himalayas was notably weakened, with the European Union being particularly uninterested. Although the issue is not entirely off the table, a high-level dialogue is anticipated soon, the source added.

Developing nations did not oppose or block the proposals when they were introduced.

Khanal mentioned that several Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and mountain nations were supportive, while developed countries hesitated to adopt new agenda items.

The Nepalese government anticipates a research dialogue on mountain-related issues during COP31, with the presidency agreeing to hold consultations and include the theme in future discussions.

Khanal expressed optimism, stating, "Compared to the past, we feel there is positive momentum, with the global community increasingly recognizing mountain issues as core concerns. This acknowledgment is growing. It may take time to achieve our goals, but we believe we are on the right path."

When asked about the emphasis on the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold in their proposal, Khanal highlighted the urgent need to comprehend the implications for mountain regions as global temperatures approach that level.

He pointed to the August 2026 mountain collapse and subsequent flash floods along Nepal's border with China as examples of the escalating climate risks facing mountainous areas.

A report released on November 3 by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), warned that even a temporary breach of the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold could lead to significant and potentially irreversible ice loss across glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, and polar oceans.

The report cited the catastrophic August 2026 glacial lake outburst floods along the Nepal-China border as a cautionary tale for other glacier-dependent regions worldwide.

It warned that the impacts driven by temperature overshoot in Nepal are already surpassing local adaptation limits and causing irreversible loss and damage.

Khanal stated that the Nepali delegation is seeking two main types of support at COP31: research assistance to better understand the changes occurring in mountain regions and financial aid for adaptation, mitigation, and post-disaster recovery.

He emphasized the need for technology transfer, viewing it as essential for early warning systems and adaptation efforts. "We require technology, including satellites to monitor mountains and glaciers, as part of our research and adaptation needs," he explained.

In October 2026, the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) Board provisionally allocated USD 21.6 million for Nepal's recovery following the devastating Bhote Koshi flash floods.

Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment and co-leader of the delegation, underscored the issue as a matter of climate justice, noting that Nepal contributes a minimal share of global emissions, yet the Himalayas, which support lives and livelihoods, are rapidly melting.

"I come from a nation still in mourning. In August 2026, a mountain collapse triggered what we termed the Himalayan tsunami, obliterating critical infrastructure in mere minutes. Between August and October, Nepal faced three major climate disasters," Mishra stated.

According to UNDP, referencing Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the August disaster resulted in 1,451 fatalities and left over 5,600 individuals missing.

Nepal's recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at USD 4.7 billion, roughly 10 percent of its GDP.

Despite these challenges, Nepal remains committed: approximately half of our land is community-conserved forest, our energy is primarily hydropower, and over 70 percent of new consumer vehicles are electric, he added.

Mishra stressed that climate justice must transition from being a mere aspiration to a tangible reality for those on the front lines.

The host country's Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum is serving as COP31 President alongside Australia's Climate Minister.