English Language

(a) Main human activities contributing to climate change

The passage does not explicitly list the human activities causing climate change. It only refers indirectly to:

1. Prioritisation of economic growth over environmental sustainability — which sustains high-emission activities.
2. The power of fossil fuel industries — implying the continued burning of coal, oil and gas.
3. The need for lifestyle changes — implying that current consumption patterns contribute to the crisis.

A complete answer should note that the passage mentions these only in passing, and then supply the standard human activities from general knowledge:

1. Burning of fossil fuels — coal, oil and natural gas for electricity, industry and transport, releasing carbon dioxide.
2. Deforestation and land-use change — clearing forests removes carbon sinks and adds emissions.
3. Unsustainable agriculture — livestock rearing and paddy cultivation release methane; fertiliser use releases nitrous oxide.
4. Industrial processes — cement, steel and chemical production release carbon dioxide and other gases.
5. Unsustainable consumption and transport — high-consumption lifestyles, private vehicles and aviation.

(b) Disproportionate impact on developing countries

Developing countries contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffer the most from climate impacts. They lack the financial resources, technology and institutional capacity to adapt — for example, to build flood defences, drought-resistant agriculture or early-warning systems. Their economies depend heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism, so climate shocks directly hit livelihoods, food security and national income. The passage notes that developed nations are expected to "support developing nations in climate adaptation," confirming that poorer countries cannot bear the adaptation burden alone. In short, the countries least responsible for the crisis are the least able to cope with it — a clear case of climate injustice.

(c) Social and economic impacts of climate change

The passage outlines the following impacts:

• Environmental degradation — rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and disruption of ecosystems.
• Economic loss — damage to agriculture, industry and infrastructure, with growth constrained by climate-related shocks.
• Threat to livelihoods — especially for communities dependent on farming, fishing and natural resources.
• Humanitarian crisis — displacement, loss of homes, and food and water insecurity.
• Social inequality and injustice — the poor and vulnerable, who contributed least to emissions, face the greatest suffering.
• Intergenerational injustice — future generations will inherit a degraded planet, as the passage explicitly mentions "intergenerational justice."
• Political and social tension — climate movements, protests and policy advocacy reflect growing social unrest and pressure on governments.

(d) Goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement and effectiveness of its implementation

Goals set:

1. To limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
2. To pursue efforts to limit the rise to 1.5°C — an aspirational target.
3. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions through national pledges.
4. To invest in renewable energy.
5. To provide support to developing nations for climate adaptation.

Effectiveness so far:

The passage states that "progress remains slow." Implementation has been weak because:

• Many countries continue to prioritise economic growth over environmental sustainability.
• Fossil fuel industries remain powerful and resist change.
• Political will is often lacking — governments hesitate to take unpopular decisions.
• Emissions continue to rise globally despite pledges.

Thus, while the Paris Agreement set ambitious and scientifically sound targets, its implementation has been inadequate. The gap between pledges and actual action remains wide, and the 1.5°C goal is increasingly at risk.

(e) Technological and societal changes necessary to combat climate change

Technological changes:

1. Rapid expansion of renewable energy — scaling up solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power to replace fossil fuels.
2. Energy storage and grid modernisation — developing better batteries and smart grids to make renewables reliable.
3. Electrification of transport — promoting electric vehicles, public transport and rail freight.
4. Sustainable agriculture — adopting climate-smart farming, organic methods and reduced methane emissions from livestock.
5. Carbon capture and removal technologies — to deal with emissions that cannot be eliminated.
6. Green hydrogen and clean industrial processes — for sectors like steel and cement that are hard to decarbonise.

Societal changes:

1. Lifestyle changes — reducing energy consumption, waste and meat-heavy diets; adopting recycling and public transport.
2. Strong political will and policy shifts — carbon pricing, stricter emission standards, ending fossil fuel subsidies and enforcing international commitments.
3. Global solidarity and climate finance — developed nations must fulfil pledges to support developing countries' adaptation and mitigation.
4. Climate education and awareness — empowering citizens, especially the young, to demand accountability.
5. Intergenerational justice — ensuring that today's decisions do not compromise the future of coming generations.

Only a combination of technological innovation and collective social, economic and political transformation can effectively combat climate change.

जलवायु परिवर्तनले भविष्यमा महामारीको जोखिम बढाउँदैछ भनी वैज्ञानिकहरूले लामो समयदेखि चेतावनी दिँदै आएका छन्। तापमान र वर्षामा आएको परिवर्तनले लामखुट्टे, किर्ना, चरा र साना स्तनधारी जीवहरूको भौगोलिक क्षेत्र मानिसको बस्तीतिर सार्छ। साथै, आँधी र बाढीले मानिसलाई विस्थापित गरी रोग फैलाउने जनावरहरूको नजिक पुर्‍याउँछ। यसरी वन्यजन्तु र तिनले बोकेका रोगसँग सम्पर्क बढ्दै जाँदा नयाँ महामारीको खतरा बढ्छ।

(a) Press Statement — Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Nepal Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

PRESS STATEMENT

Date: ................

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal has been closely following the recent armed conflict along the India–Pakistan border with deep concern. Nepal views with grave anxiety the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of civilian populations and the destruction of property caused by the ongoing hostilities between two neighbouring and friendly countries.

Nepal has consistently held the firm belief that disputes between states must be resolved through peaceful means — through dialogue, negotiation and the good offices of the United Nations — and never through the use of force. The escalation of military confrontation in the region poses a serious threat not only to the peace and security of South Asia but also to the stability and development of all countries in the neighbourhood, including Nepal.

As a peace-loving nation and a member of the United Nations, and as a country that has contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations in various parts of the world, Nepal appeals to both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities and return to the path of constructive dialogue. Nepal firmly believes that the outstanding issues between the two countries can be settled honourably and durably only through peaceful negotiations conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Nepal enjoys friendly and cordial relations with both India and Pakistan. We urge both parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure the safety of civilians and engage in meaningful dialogue at the earliest possible opportunity so that peace and stability may be restored in the region.

The Government of Nepal remains ready to extend its good offices and cooperation, in whatever manner possible, in the interest of regional peace and security.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Nepal Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

(b) Third Person Note

Note No.: ................ Date: ............

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Nepal Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal presents its compliments to the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, and has the honour to refer to the recent incident in the Thori area of Parsa District, Nepal, in which the Border Security Force (BSF) of India dismantled and removed border pillars No. 107 and 118.

The Ministry wishes to state that these pillars form part of the boundary demarcated jointly by the Government of Nepal and the Government of India on the basis of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and subsequent agreements, and that the unilateral removal of boundary pillars constitutes a violation of the established boundary and of the spirit of mutual understanding between the two friendly countries. Such actions are liable to create confusion regarding the alignment of the boundary and to disturb the peace and harmony of the local population residing along the border.

In view of the above, the Ministry requests the Embassy of India to take immediate steps to restore the said boundary pillars to their original positions and to ensure that no such unilateral action is taken in the future.

The Ministry further proposes that a meeting of the surveyor officials of both Nepal and India be convened at the earliest possible date, on a priority basis, to verify the alignment of the boundary in the Thori area and to settle the matter amicably in accordance with the existing boundary agreements between the two countries.

The Ministry avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of India the assurances of its highest consideration.

Embassy of India Kathmandu, Nepal