SchEMS publishes books on climate finance

Kathmandu, Feb. 14

The School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) has launched two books on climate finance – 'Strengthening Climate Rationale: Enhancing access to climate finance' and 'Integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Climate Finance' on Friday.

Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri launched the publications at a programme at a workshop organised by the Nepal Climate Initiative (NCI) under the SchEMS in the Capital.

According to the experts who contributed to the books, Nepal's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that it will cost about US$ 21 billion to adapt to climate change by the end of this decade, rising to over US$ 47 by mid-century while the Government of Nepal has pledged only $1.5 billion. So, the country needs to strengthen its negotiations for climate finance. The books are said to work as a resource book in that regard.

'Strengthening Climate Rationale' includes topics like Nepal's climate policy, climate rationale in the context of adaptation related projects and in mitigation, guidance for project development, and climate change projects. Likewise, 'Integrating GESI in Climate Finance' presents ideas on national policies and framework related to GESI, governance and intervention for GESI and mainstreaming it in climate finance projects.

Minister Shahi lauded the efforts to create and enhance knowledge in the areas of climate finance and said that effective solutions are needed to mitigate climate impacts. "We must find ways to mobilise and benefit from the international funds for climate finance. However, we need to enhance our capacity as such funds are highly competitive," he said.

Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, expressed his hopes that the books would be helpful in enhancing the knowledge of the professionals and academics equally in the areas of climate finance.

Manjeet Dhakal, Head of LDC Support Team Climate Analytics South Asia and Member of NCI, urged for higher attention from the stakeholders including from the public and private sector to combat the climate change impacts. Principal of SchEMS, Ajay Bhakta Mathema, expressed his hopes that the books would serve as an important resource for the professionals in the field. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.