Experts have suggested the government and the private sector should work hand in hand to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Climate Change: Impacts and the Global Response,’ organised by lawmaker Arzu Rana Deuba’s secretariat in Kathmandu on Thursday, experts said the time is ripe to be alert for the prevention of environmental impacts of climate change that have started to be seen rapidly in Nepal.

Speaking at the program, lawmaker Deuba said the issue of climate change needs to be addressed immediately, adding the issue should be raised before the international community.

“We have set examples in hydropower. We need to start spreading awareness about climate change immediately. All political parties, media and others should join hands for the cause,” she said.

Environmentalist Madhav Karki said the latest global report on climate change is alarming.

“Global temperatures are rising faster than predicted by the Paris Agreement. Scientists estimate it will cause a huge impact,” said Karki.

He said that the government should immediately act to reduce the impacts.

Rural Women’s Development and Unity Centre National Director Krishna Kumar Shrestha expressed his views on the environmental risks in Nepal.

“Irregular rains, rising daytime temperatures and falling nighttime temperatures have affected agricultural production,” said Shrestha.

“Not only in rivers but also the underground water level is getting depleted.”

Former Deputy Speaker of Denmark Rasmus Helveg Petersen said Denmark has implemented many methods to reduce environmental pollution and carbon emissions.

“We must deal with the challenges of environmental impact. For that, we have to change our behaviour and methods that affect the environment. Denmark has done some exemplary works,” said Petersen.

Also speaking, Nepali Congress Joint General Secretary Dina Upadhyay said small countries like Nepal have to face problems due to carbon emissions emitted by big countries.

“All sides must be careful to implement methods to prevent climate change,” she said.

Upadhyay suggested the impacts of climate change can be minimised through the joint efforts of central, provincial and local governments.