Nepal

Nepal Environment Overview

Nepal, a country renowned for its majestic Himalayas and rich biodiversity, exhibits a wide range of environmental conditions and challenges. The climate varies dramatically from the northern regions, which experience cool summers and harsh winters, to the southern regions, known for subtropical summer heat and mild winters. Forests cover approximately 43.5% of the land, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, deforestation remains a significant issue due to reliance on wood for fuel. Nepal's urban population accounts for 21.9% of the total, with urbanization growing at a rate of 3.09% annually. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, including the Climate Change-Paris Agreement, indicating its commitment to global environmental causes. Despite these efforts, Nepal faces challenges such as soil erosion, water contamination, and air pollution. The management of municipal solid waste is also a concern, with only 4.6% being recycled. These factors highlight the need for sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts to preserve Nepal's natural beauty.

Climate

ranges from cool summer temperatures and harsh winter conditions in the northern regions to subtropical summer heat and mild winters in the southern regions

Land use

other

27.7% (2023 est.)

forest

43.5% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

26.1% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 12.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 12.5% (2023 est.)

Urbanization

urban population

21.9% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

3.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

1.769 million tons (2024 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled

4.6% (2022 est.)

Environmental issues

deforestation due to excessive reliance on wood for fuel and insufficient alternatives; degradation of forests; erosion of soil; water contamination from human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges; unregulated solid waste; preservation of wildlife; air pollution resulting from vehicle emissions

Total water withdrawal

municipal

147.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

industrial

29.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

agricultural

9.32 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

total emissions

11.357 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke

2.025 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids

9.332 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

36.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Total renewable water resources

210.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

International environmental agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Conservation of Marine Life