Assessing the Interconnected Impacts of Climate Change and Energy Vulnerability on Public Health in Nepal

Despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Nepal is facing significant climate challenges due to its diverse geography (1). The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident in the country, exacerbating vulnerabilities in sectors such as energy, and public health. Climate change has caused rising temperatures, glacial retreat, altered rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events, which not only threaten the environment but also pose serious risks to public health (2). Climate-sensitive health outcomes in Nepal include a range of diseases such as vector-borne, respiratory, and food and waterborne illnesses, along with undernutrition and mental health concerns (3). Nepal's energy sector relies heavily on hydropower, which makes up nearly 90% of the country’s electricity generation. However, climate-induced changes in water availability due to altered rainfall patterns and glacial melt pose a significant risk to hydropower production. In addition, rural households remain heavily dependent on traditional biomass fuels for cooking, contributing to indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases (4).

Building on existing evidence, this study aims to investigate the interconnected impacts of climate variability and energy insecurity on public health in Nepal. The primary objective is to synthesize evidence from health, climate, and energy sectors to assess how these factors jointly influence health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on identifying population vulnerabilities. Additionally, the research seeks to formulate evidence-based policy recommendations to improve energy security, enhance public health, and strengthen climate resilience. These recommendations will target the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity, promoting sustainable development and health equity in vulnerable communities.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining an extensive literature review with expert consultations. The literature review draws on peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and institutional publications to analyze the current and projected effects of climate change and energy insecurity on public health. The review emphasizes risk factors, vulnerabilities, and future scenarios. Expert consultations will be conducted to contextualize findings, validate key insights, and refine policy recommendations. This combined methodology aims to generate a holistic understanding of the synergistic impacts of climate and energy factors on health and inform actionable, resilience-focused strategies.

Preliminary findings highlight a strong link between energy insecurity and health outcomes, exacerbated by climate change. The study proposes a conceptual framework linking these factors and offer policy recommendations to address energy poverty, enhance resilience, and improve health outcomes in Nepal.

References:

• Tome J, Richmond HL, Rahman M, Karmacharya D, Schwind JS. Climate change and health vulnerability in Nepal: A systematic review of the literature since 2010. Vol. 17, Global Public Health. Routledge; 2022. p. 1406–19.
• Dhimal M, Ahrens B, Kuch U. Climate change and spatiotemporal distributions of vector-borne diseases in Nepal - A systematic synthesis of literature. Vol. 10, PLoS ONE. Public Library of Science; 2015.
• Dhimal M, Bhandari D, Lamichhane Dhimal M. Climate Change and Human Health: Vulnerability, Impact and Adaptation in Hindu Kush Himalayan Region. In 2023. p. 159–69.
• National Statistics Office. National Population and Housing Census 2021: National Report. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal; 2023.