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EXPERT CONSULTATION

Cascading climate risks and adaptation measures in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: Making a case for enhanced regional cooperation

Programmes

SG3, AAF

Venue

Online

Date & Time

30 May 2023

Organisers: ICIMOD, Adaptation Without Borders

 

Application form

 

Cascading climate risks

 

About the consultation

Although an increasing number of countries, regional bodies, international organisations, and other constituency groups are starting to recognise cascading climate impacts, they are often unable to assess, track or appraise policy options to better manage and govern the resulting risks. ICIMOD with Adaptation Without Borders (AWB) is jointly organising this consultation to promote a common understanding of cascading climate risks in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, identify relevant research and existing national policies that

account for such risks, and explore potential cooperation and collaboration on adaptation measures.

The consultation will explore the following questions:

  • What knowledge has already been produced on regional cooperation in the HKH and/or on the cascading nature of climate risk in the region?
  • What lessons have been learned from previous efforts and processes to bring the eight Regional Member Countries (RMCs) together to cooperate on transboundary issues?
  • To what extent has climate change adaptation featured in previous regional cooperation processes?
  • What are the key influencing moments leading towards the 2023 HKH Ministerial Mountain Summit?

 

Objectives
  • Engage and convene key stakeholders of ICIMOD’s RMCs to discuss cascading climate risks and cooperation on adaptation in recognition of the shared and common risks faced
  • Discuss the barriers and opportunities of enhanced regional cooperation on climate change adaptation to manage such cascading climate impacts

 

Background

The impacts and implications of climate change are not confined by national borders. They affect international trade and supply chains, capital flows, human mobility, as well as natural resources shared regionally and globally between countries. Likewise, actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change can have effects far beyond the jurisdiction of implementing governments. The consequences of climate change, and the measures governments take to respond to them, may be viewed as sub-national and national policy issues, but they also transcend national boundaries and require collaborative remedial action. Yet, current response measures, adaptation plans and strategies usually fail to account for such dynamics.

 

Tentative agenda

Nepal Standard Time (GMT +5:45)

Time Programme
14:00 Welcome

Opening remarks – Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD (TBC)

Introductions from participants

Moderator: Pradyumna Rana, Climate Change Adaptation and Governance Analyst, ICIMOD

Session 1: Setting the stage – Understanding cascading climate risks

Moderator: Pradyumna Rana, ICIMOD

14:10 Introduction to cascading climate risks, regional cooperation on adaptation, and relevant global policy frameworks – Katy Harris, Senior Policy Fellow, SEI
14:20 Transboundary and cascading risks and responses in the HKH – Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Action Area Coordinator, Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks, ICIMOD (TBC)
Session 2: Managing risks – Enhancing regional cooperation
Moderator:  Katy Harris, Senior Policy Fellow, SEI
14:30 Part 1: Cascading climate risks, adaptation measures and regional cooperation in the HKH

Speakers to be confirmed:

  • Abid Hussain, Senior Economist and Food Systems Specialist, Action Area C: Adapting and transforming livelihoods and economies, ICIMOD
  • Anil Pokhrel, Chief Executive, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Nepal
  • Manjeet Dhakal, Head of LDC Support Team at Climate Analytics and Director for Climate Analytics South Asia Office

Part 2: Panel discussion with UNFCCC Focal Points

Part 3: Open discussion with all participants

Session 3: Walking the talk: what’s cooking for COP28?
Moderator: Deepshikha Sharma, Climate and Environment Specialist, ICIMOD
15:30 Roadmap to COP28: Discussion of key influencing moments and opportunities –Deepshikha Sharma, ICIMOD and Katy Harris, SEI

COP high-level messaging – Udayan Mishra, Communications Officer, ICIMOD and Designated Communications Contact Point for UNFCCC

15:55 Closing and note of thanks