Now I weep: After decades working with Nepal, I see the root of its disaster ignored

On August 30, 2026, a senior figure within the global humanitarian organization Adara expressed deep sorrow over the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal, highlighting how the root causes of such disasters remain unaddressed despite long-term efforts. The incident unfolded in the Nuwakot district, one of the hardest-hit areas, where Adara's Nepalese operations team had been engaged in critical developmental projects focused on maternal health and remote education. The flood, triggered by a massive glacial collapse, caused rivers to rise rapidly, sweeping through the region and devastating communities already recovering from the 2015 earthquake that claimed nearly 9,000 lives. Pralhad Dhakal, director of Adara’s Nepal operations, was among the first to receive alarming messages from his team. Having recently returned to Kathmandu from remote project sites, he learned of the perilous situation affecting his family, particularly his elderly father residing near the Trishuli River. Despite personal concerns, Dhakal continued to fulfill his duties, assessing risks and ensuring the safety of both his staff and local communities. This response underscored the resilience of individuals caught in the crossfire of escalating environmental crises. The flood was the result of a colossal section of a Himalayan glacier breaking away and falling thousands of feet, creating a torrent of water, mud, and ice that surged into the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. These rivers swelled dramatically within 30 minutes, leading to widespread destruction in the Nuwakot area. The scale of the devastation echoed the trauma of the 2015 earthquake, emphasizing the persistent vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. According to researchers at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development based in Kathmandu, the rate of ice loss in the region has doubled since 2000. Even under the optimistic scenarios outlined by the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature increase, the region could lose approximately a third of its glaciers by the end of the century. Current projections suggest that the Hindu Kush Himalaya might experience a staggering 75 percent reduction in ice volume by 2100, significantly impacting the water supply for millions of people across Asia. The author of the piece, reflecting on their extensive career in both corporate advising and humanitarian work, lamented the lack of meaningful progress in addressing climate change. They noted the irony of executives returning from European vacations, discussing the heat, yet continuing to prioritize profit margins and shareholder returns over sustainable practices. This disconnect exemplifies a broader trend observed globally, where economic interests often overshadow environmental responsibility. In Australia, major corporations such as Woodside Energy, the nation's largest oil and gas producer, have abandoned ambitious clean energy goals and emission reduction targets. Similarly, the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, withdrew from the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, which aimed to align financial institutions with global climate objectives. The withdrawal led to the suspension of the group's operations, followed by a re-launch with diminished ambitions and fewer participants. Despite these setbacks, major banks continue to fund fossil fuel industries, contradicting their public pledges to reduce carbon footprints. The narrative also touches upon internal debates within the climate advocacy community, suggesting that some members question the effectiveness of climate offset programs, potentially due to perceptions of them being tools manipulated by powerful entities. This skepticism highlights the complex landscape of climate activism, where ideological differences and strategic considerations play crucial roles in shaping responses to environmental challenges.