Nepal, one month after

This Saturday it is exactly one month since the catastrophe on the Bhote Kosi-Trisuli. The death toll in Nepal and China is exceeding 8,000. 

One month on, only 110 of the 1,450 recovered bodies have been positively identified and handed over to families.   

On Friday morning, Prime Minister Balendra Shah delivered his address to the UN General Assembly where he reminded the world of what befell his nation. 

Secretary-General António Guterres mentioned the Nepal disaster in his speech in the context of climate breakdown. But international memory is short, and easily distracted by wars and calamities elsewhere. 

The geopolitical climate is not quite right for climate justice. We can raise concerns, but not have unrealistic expectations that rich nations will suddenly develop pangs of guilt about their historical emissions.

It would have been useful for our prime minister after flying all that way to stay longer for the New York Climate Week, and highlight how despite being in the least-developed category, Nepal has done its bit to expand carbon sinks, ensure 100% renewable energy and promote electric transport.

The prime minister is to visit India in November to clear the air with New Delhi. Indian investment in current and future river projects in Nepal will loom large.