Nepal flagEnvironment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Nepal

Nepal faces significant environmental challenges, with complex climate vulnerabilities in the Himalayan region, experiencing rapid ecological changes due to global warming and increasing natural disaster risks.

Air Quality Index

Poor
4.5/10(AQI: 85)
Worsening trend

Urban areas like Kathmandu experience significant air pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and inefficient waste management systems.

Water Quality

Moderate
5.2/10

Limited access to clean water, with significant contamination risks in rural and urban regions due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

Approximately 80% of population has access to improved water sources

Recycling System

Emerging recycling infrastructure with limited nationwide coverage, primarily concentrated in urban centers.

Recycling Rate: 12.5%
plasticpaper

Green Spaces

Significant forest coverage with diverse ecological zones, including protected national parks and conservation areas.

Forest Coverage: 44.7%
National Parks: 12
Includes Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park

Environmental Policies

Developing comprehensive environmental protection frameworks with increasing focus on climate adaptation strategies.

Key Policies:
  • Climate Change Policy 2011
  • National Adaptation Programme of Action
Renewable Energy: 90% electricity generation from hydropower by 2030

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Extremely vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, including glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and earthquakes.

earthquakesfloodslandslides
Climate Change Impacts: Himalayan glaciers retreating at accelerated rates, threatening water resources and downstream ecosystems

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Aggressive hydropower development with over 2,000 MW current capacity and ambitious expansion plans

Community Forest Management

Innovative community-based forest conservation programs covering approximately 35% of national forests

Wildlife & Nature

Bengal TigerEndangered
One-horned RhinocerosVulnerable