- The Guardian
- Issue #2146
Just in case you thought that there are areas too remote to be affected by climate change, a key climate conference in Nepal has recently discussed global climate change, including the impact on the highest Himalayan peaks where snow and ice are melting.
The three-day conference in Kathmandu, entitled ’Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,’ included discussions of critical climate issues.
At the opening meeting, Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli told participants: “From the lap of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, we send this message loud and clear that to protect the mountains is to protect the planet.
“To protect the mountains is to protect our seas. To protect the mountains is to protect humanity itself.”
Nepal is home to eight of the 10 tallest mountains in the world. A high level of glacier melting in the Himalayan mountains because of global warming has raised significant concerns. Melting snow and ice have exposed the mountains and increased the risk of rock slides, landslides, and avalanches. Scientists have warned that the Himalayan mountains could lose up to 80 per cent of their glaciers as the Earth continues to warm. Ministers from neighbouring India, Bhutan, and the Maldives attended the conference. Organisers intend to publish a Kathmandu declaration.
PARASITE OF THE WEEK: is the genocidal government of Israel:
Highlighted with this message from the Maritime Union:
In solidarity with the people of Gaza
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), representing dockworkers and seafarers across the Australian maritime industry, stands in unwavering solidarity with the Peace Flotilla and the people of Gaza. As maritime workers, we know first hand the essential role of free and safe passage at sea, especially for vessels delivering humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
We strongly condemn the attack on the humanitarian ship The Conscience, which was struck twice by drones in international waters off Malta, putting the lives of 30 human rights defenders and seafarers at grave risk and violating international law. Such acts threaten the fundamental rights of seafarers and dockworkers everywhere and undermine the principles of safe navigation and humanitarian solidarity that our industry upholds.
The mission of the Peace Flotilla – to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza’s besieged population – reflects the core values of maritime workers: solidarity, justice, and the right to safe passage.
For over 18 months, Gaza has endured blockade, starvation, and bombardment. The denial of humanitarian access is unconscionable, with the United Nations warning that Gaza is on the brink of famine.
The MUA calls on maritime unions, dockworkers, civil society, and governments to join us in demanding immediate safe passage for all humanitarian vessels to Gaza and an end to the blockade.
The delivery of vital humanitarian aid must not be obstructed.
As a union with a proud history of supporting oppressed peoples and defending the rights of maritime workers globally, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity.
Paddy Crumlin
National Secretary
Maritime Union of Australia
