Qatari Princess Al Thani: Urgent Call for Action on Himalayan Climate Crisis

Qatari Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani, addressing environmental concerns at a climbers’ conference in Thame, noted grave changes in the Himalayan region since her last visit. She described the state of the mountains as “lifeless” and highlighted the threat posed by glacial melting to global communities. The Princess emphasized that recent disasters are indicative of a broader man-made emergency requiring global attention.

During a climbers’ conference held in Thame, near Mount Everest, Qatari Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani expressed deep concerns regarding the alarming transformations in the Himalayan region. Since her first visit in 2019, she observed that the mountains now appear “lifeless,” with significant changes affecting their natural beauty and vitality.

Princess Al Thani remarked, “The melting of snow on mountains like Everest is a threat not only to Nepal, but to the entire global community.” She highlighted the stark contrast between her previous experience climbing Everest, when its grandeur left her mesmerized, and the current reality of exposed rocks and the haunting silence that indicates ecological loss.

The Princess also addressed the catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) that occurred in 2023 in the region, causing widespread damage by displacing numerous families, destroying infrastructure, and isolating communities. She emphasized, “These are not isolated disasters; they are symptoms of a much larger, man-made emergency. And it’s not something Nepal can or should bear alone.”

Furthermore, she shared her worry regarding the diminishing snow coverage in the Himalayas, stating that Everest no longer resembles the iconic white peak seen in photographs. A local climber echoed this sentiment, highlighting the fragility of the mountain and the pressing need for protective measures rather than mere admiration.

In summary, Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani’s observations during her recent visit to the Himalayas reflect severe environmental changes impacting the region. Her remarks underscore the urgent need for collective global action to combat the effects of climate change, particularly as natural disasters pose increasing threats. The urgency of environmental conservation for iconic landmarks like Everest cannot be overstated. Immediate attention and protective measures are necessary to address these challenges and preserve the region’s natural heritage.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com