KATHMANDU, April 22: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal has announced its partnership with two internationally celebrated climate influencers, Nima Rinji Sherpa and Purnima Shrestha, as part of its expanded efforts to raise awareness about climate justice in Nepal.
The collaboration launches ahead of UNDP’s upcoming social media campaign, #GenClima (shortened to #GENC), which highlights the rising generation of young people leading gender-responsive climate action. The campaign aims to spotlight the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, especially women and indigenous populations.
Although Nepal’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, its high mountainous and Himalayan regions are experiencing severe effects of climate change. Shrinking glaciers, melting permafrost, and declining biodiversity are already impacting agriculture, health, drinking water, infrastructure, education, and livelihoods.
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A three-year study conducted by UNDP and ICIMOD in 2020 revealed that Nepal has 2,323 glacial lakes, with 47 classified as being at very high risk. As part of the world’s vital glacial system, these mountains require urgent, collective action to preserve them for future generations. This campaign aims to be more than just a hashtag — it seeks to become a rallying cry for youth who refuse to stand by as the planet warms and inequalities deepen.
Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Resident Representative in Nepal, stated, “Climate change transcends environmental parameters — it is fundamentally an issue of social justice. By collaborating with influencers like Purnima and Nima, we aim to bring greater visibility to climate-affected communities while engaging the next generation in actionable climate discourse.” She added, “We want to amplify our voices globally and call for collective action through platforms like the Sagarmatha Sambad to save our mountains — and humanity.”
Purnima Shrestha emphasized the urgency of the crisis, saying, “The impacts of climate change are clearly visible in the Himalayas. The rapid retreat of glaciers and shifting snowlines highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities. Climbing has become much more dangerous now — our tools are meant for ice and snow, but all we're finding is bare rock.”
Nima Rinji Sherpa also shared his concerns: “I can clearly see that snow in many mountain ranges is melting faster than expected. Glaciers are melting and advancing at an alarming rate. While the initial melting provides freshwater to nearby villages, many communities could later face disasters caused by glacial lake outburst floods.”
This partnership marks a significant moment in UNDP Nepal’s ongoing climate action efforts, which include work on adaptation, resilience, and inclusive policy making. As part of the #GenClima campaign, Sherpa and Shrestha will engage in immersive storytelling, community visits, and interactive online content aimed at expanding the public discourse on climate equity at both national and international levels.
