Water Justice is Climate Justice: A Call for Action

Every time I walk along the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, I am reminded of its once-pristine waters—a lifeline for the valley. Today, the reality is different. The river, once revered, now flows murky and polluted, choked under the weight of human neglect. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a warning bell for the global water crisis—and a stark reminder that water justice is inseparable from climate justice.

Water is life. Yet, for millions around the world, access to safe drinking water remains a distant dream. As climate change accelerates, glaciers melt, rainfall patterns shift, and water sources dry up, the water crisis deepens—especially for vulnerable communities. In Nepal, where we rely on both monsoon rains and Himalayan glaciers, this crisis is already knocking at our door.

Water Crisis in Nepal: The Local Reality

The Bagmati River, symbolic of urban water pollution, struggles under the burden of untreated waste and human impact.

Nepal’s rivers, once clear and life-sustaining, now suffer from severe pollution. Urban rivers like the Bagmati have turned into drains, while rural water bodies are becoming unreliable due to erratic rainfall and overuse. Meanwhile, in the mountains, the once snow-capped peaks are slowly losing their white crowns.

The majestic mountains of Nepal—once more snow-covered—now reveal the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures.

The Himalayan glaciers, which feed our rivers and sustain millions downstream, are retreating due to rising global temperatures. This not only threatens Nepal’s water security but also increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), putting entire communities at risk.

Global Connections: Water and Climate Change

The water crisis in Nepal reflects a global reality. According to UN Water, 1 in 4 people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Climate change is exacerbating droughts, floods, and water contamination, further marginalizing those already struggling.

But here’s the thing—this crisis isn’t just about water scarcity. It’s about justice. The communities that contribute least to climate change are often the ones most affected by water insecurity. Women, children, and marginalized groups bear the brunt, walking miles to fetch water or facing health risks due to polluted supplies.

Solutions: What Can We Do?

While the challenges are immense, solutions exist—and we all have a role to play. Here are some key actions:

1. Invest in Sustainable Water Management:

   • Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient irrigation can help conserve water. Learn more about rainwater harvesting here.

2. Protect and Restore Water Ecosystems:

   • Rivers, lakes, and wetlands act as natural buffers against floods and droughts. Community-driven conservation efforts can make a difference.

3. Advocate for Climate Action:

   • Strong climate policies are essential to limit global warming and reduce water-related risks. Organizations like ICIMOD provide valuable research and resources on Himalayan climate resilience.

4. Raise Awareness and Take Local Action:

   • Small actions matter. Whether it’s reducing plastic waste, participating in river clean-up drives, or supporting water justice campaigns, every step counts.

A Personal Commitment

For me, this isn’t just a blog post—it’s a personal call to action. Growing up in Nepal, I’ve seen firsthand how water shapes our lives, our culture, and our future. I’ve seen the joy of farmers after a good monsoon and the despair of women fetching water from distant wells during dry spells. I’ve seen the melting glaciers and the polluted rivers. And I’ve realized that we cannot afford to wait.

Rural communities in Nepal are heavily dependent on local water sources, which are increasingly under threat from pollution and erratic weather patterns.

This World Water Day, I am committing to advocate for water and climate justice—to write, to speak up, and to act. And I invite you to join me. Share this post, spread awareness, and take steps to protect our most precious resource.

Call to Action: Be Part of the Solution

Every drop counts, and every action matters. Let’s demand water justice, because water is a human right—and climate justice is water justice. Together, we can build a future where clean water flows freely for everyone, everywhere.

For more information and to get involved:

• UN Water: World Water Day

• Global Water Partnership

• WHO: Safe Drinking Water

Let’s make a difference—starting today.

Thank you for reading. If this post resonated with you, please leave a comment or share your thoughts. Together, we can create a ripple effect for positive change.