A young person shares their perspective at the Birgunj urban dialogue.

Post-Intergenerational Dialogues Highlight Climate Change Impacts and Solutions in Madhesh

In a collaborative effort to bridge generational gaps in addressing climate change, Restless Development and the Social Organization District Coordination Committee Parsa (SODCC Parsa) hosted two Post-Intergenerational Dialogue events in August and September 2024. These dialogues, one held in the urban center of Birgunj and the other in rural Parsa, shared insights from the “Intergenerational Dialogue on Responding to Climate Change” pilot project, conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 with support from Helpage International, Newcastle University, and Living Deltas.

Urban Dialogue: Adapting to Climate Change in Birgunj

The urban dialogue, held on August 28, 2024, at the Birgunj Metropolitan City Office, convened government officials, community leaders, and experts to discuss climate-related challenges. Ujjwal Upadhyay, the event facilitator, highlighted key issues such as rising temperatures exacerbating heat-related health problems, especially during fasting periods like Ramadan, and affecting students in schools. Discussions also touched on gender-related challenges, with women disproportionately exposed to heat risks during household chores. Social events like weddings have been impacted, with air conditioning now seen as essential, further straining finances.

Ujjwal Upadhyay facilitates the dialogue session.

Proposed solutions from the dialogue focused on making Birgunj more climate-resilient, including upgrading school infrastructure with false ceilings and sprinklers, providing cold drinking water, and regulating pesticide usage to mitigate health risks linked to climate change. Participants also emphasized the importance of planting trees and raising climate awareness. Matrika Bhattarai, Chief Administrative Officer in Birgunj and chief guest of the program, concluded that individual lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic use and planting trees, are vital for a sustainable future.

An older adult shares their experiences with climate change at the Birgunj urban dialogue.

Rural Dialogue: Strengthening Resilience in Parsa’s Rural Communities

On September 12, 2024, the rural dialogue at Shri Nepal National Secondary School, Siyarahi Sathwal, brought together local government representatives and rural community members to discuss the distinct impacts of climate change in their area. Chief guest Jaswant Yadav, Chairperson of Sakhuwa Prasauni Rural Municipality, noted the increasing heat, declining water availability, and worsening air pollution, all of which are adversely affecting human health. He expressed his commitment to partnering with organizations to address these challenges in rural Parsa.

A young representative from Sankhuwa Prasauni Rural Municipality shares their views.

Unified Action Across Urban and Rural Areas

Both dialogues underscored the shared resilience of urban and rural communities in confronting climate change. The discussions emphasized the importance of local adaptation strategies, infrastructure upgrades, and community-level awareness. As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is imperative that we capitalize on the momentum generated by these dialogues and take decisive action to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.