Himalayan Climate Charter 2025 Launched in Kathmandu to Address Growing Climate Crisis

 Kathmandu, July 5

To raise global awareness about climate change and protect the Himalayas, outdoor brand BYN BLACKYAK launched the Himalayan Climate Charter 2025 during a special event in Kathmandu. The event, called the Summit for Earth, was organized with the help of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).

The summit brought together experts, government officials, media, and mountaineers, who all expressed serious concern about the worsening climate crisis in the Himalayan region. At the event, they signed the Himalayan Climate Charter 2025, which outlines goals and actions to fight climate change and promote fairness and justice for affected communities.

The declaration highlights the need to reduce global carbon emissions while also respecting the traditional knowledge of Himalayan communities like the Sherpas. It encourages the use of modern tools such as drones and satellite technology to support these efforts. The organizers pledged to take real action—including cleaning up the mountains, sharing environmental data openly, supporting local communities, and building global partnerships.

BLACKYAK Chairperson Kang Tae Sun opened the summit by sharing a personal story about how seeing lifeless turtles on a beach in his hometown of Jeju Island (South Korea) made him realize the urgency of the climate crisis. He said, “The warning signs from the Himalayas affect us all. This charter is a global call to act now and fight for climate justice.”

Ang Tshering Sherpa, senior advisor to the NMA, spoke about the severe effects of climate change in Nepal, including melting glaciers, floods, and biodiversity loss. Migma Sherpa, chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, suggested that part of the mountaineering fees should go directly toward cleanup efforts in the Himalayas.

During a panel discussion on climate change, Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, a senior official at Nepal’s Environment Ministry, said, “Melting glaciers are just the beginning—everything downstream is at risk. Saving the mountains is key to saving the planet.” He added that most of the climate funding should reach the local communities who are facing the worst impacts.

Dr. Pasang Yanji Sherpa, a professor from the University of British Columbia, emphasized using both indigenous and scientific knowledge in climate strategies. She warned that small glacial lakes, not just large ones, are causing dangerous floods, and asked whether we are truly prepared to handle such disasters.

Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, head of WWF Nepal, said the crisis also affects food and spiritual well-being. He stressed the importance of monitoring permafrost, a critical part of the Himalayan environment.

Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga, meteorology professor at Tribhuvan University, highlighted the need for better public awareness and local data collection. He urged young people to study the glaciers, climate impacts, and how these changes affect people’s lives.

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, emphasized the importance of making decisions based on solid research. He said that fighting climate change in the Himalayas requires cross-border cooperation, as these problems affect several countries in the region.

Finally, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey described the Himalayas as the “Heart of the Earth” and called for united efforts to protect them. He also announced that Nepal’s new Clean Mountain Strategy 2082 (B.S. calendar) is nearly ready. The plan will focus on waste management, conservation, and promoting responsible tourism.