Chapter 6: Nature and Environment

This chapter explains climate change, its causes and effects, the conservation of endangered plants and animals of Nepal, and important medicinal plants used traditionally in Nepal.

There are various types of plants and animals around us. To preserve their existence, it is necessary to maintain the good condition of the environment and habitats. Human activities in the name of modernization and industrialization are changing atmospheric conditions and causing climate change, which affects the shelter and existence of organisms both directly and indirectly.

Rhino, tiger, tortoise, medicinal herbs, bee, orca, and snow mountains

Climate is the average weather pattern of a certain geographical area for a long time, typically about 30 years. Generally, the climate of a place remains similar, and very small natural changes on Earth do not change climate. However, due to the emission of greenhouse gases by human activities, the climate of the world has changed, and weather patterns of various regions have changed a lot.

Climate change is a serious global problem. Developing countries are more affected by it than developed ones. Nepal's contribution to greenhouse gas emission is negligible, yet it is at high risk of the adverse effects of climate change.

The process of change in climate of a particular place over a long interval of time, due to unstable nature and various human activities, is called climate change. During climate change, the regular cycle of weather of a place is disturbed. Overall, climate change refers to a change in the statistical pattern of weather over a long period of time.

SEE Focus: Since the past, the temperature of Nepal is increasing at the rate of 0.06°C every year. Water sources like rivers, lakes, and fountains are drying up, mountain heights are decreasing due to melting snow, and there is an equal chance of flooding due to glacial lake outbursts.

Due to poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality, the livelihoods of communities that depend on natural resources are considered more sensitive to the impact of climate change. Causes of climate change can be classified into two: natural and human-induced.

Energy is produced in the sun because of thermonuclear fusion reactions. When the rate of this reaction changes, the energy produced in the sun and the intensity of solar radiation reaching Earth's surface also change. Such changes affect the weather, so variations in solar activities have a role in climate change.

The amount of solar radiation reflected from the earth depends on the nature of the earth's surface and atmosphere. About 70% of the solar radiation that reaches the earth is absorbed. This contributes to natural changes on the earth's surface, like melting of ice due to climate change. Greenhouse gases also include water vapour, formed by evaporation from seas, rivers, and other water sources. Fluctuation in the amount of the sun's light and heat radiation results in a change in the rate of evaporation.

Volcanoes have played a noticeable role in climate. During volcanic eruptions, various gases, including carbon dioxide and aerosols, are emitted. Such gases and aerosols spread to the upper layer of the atmosphere and block solar radiation for some time, making the earth's surface cold. In addition, emitted greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for a long time, trapping solar radiation and increasing the earth's temperature.

Volcanic eruption

Greenhouse gases are abundantly produced due to human-induced activities, which form a thick layer above the earth's surface and trap solar heat, leading to a rise in temperature.

While burning fossil fuels like coal, mineral oil, and natural gas to produce heat and electrical energy, a tremendous amount of harmful gases, including greenhouse gases, are produced, contributing to the rise in the earth's surface temperature.

Energy production centre

Different types of industries produce cement, steel, electrical appliances, plastic clothes, and other materials, mostly using fossil fuels. Gases released by the combustion of such fuels pollute the environment and also play a role in climate change.

Factory

Forests are being cut down in an uncontrolled manner during the construction of roads, human settlements, and cultivation. Deforestation reduces the amount of carbon dioxide consumed by plants for preparing food, so greenhouse gases in the environment increase, which increases global warming. Very Important for SEE: the forest is the main storage site of carbon emitted into the environment.

Deforestation

Fossil fuels are used in most vehicles like cars, buses, planes, ships, and trucks. While burning such fuels, harmful and greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, are released, which pollute the environment and increase the earth's temperature.

Vehicles / traffic

Over the past few decades, the rise in atmospheric temperature and resulting climate-related disasters (extreme rainfall, no rainfall, or drought) have adversely affected the Himalayan range and glaciers of Nepal and the ecosystems dependent on them. Due to rapid melting of snow, glacial lakes are increasing in size, raising the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). Climate-related disasters like floods, landslides, and forest fires cause loss of large amounts of property every year.

Climate change brings changes in the availability or pattern of rainfall in various areas, leading to drought in some areas and floods in others due to excess rainfall. Drought and floods affect agricultural production, which increases the risk of food crisis in the future.

An excess amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases the temperature of the atmosphere, leading to changes in climate. This overall rise in earth's temperature is called global warming. It causes an increase in the volume of seawater, and water formed from melting snow due to global warming also contributes to rising sea level. As a result, water levels reach the top of coasts and islands, destroying flora, fauna, and their habitats, and affecting local communities.

The increase in earth's temperature caused by climate change brings changes in the life processes of organisms living on land and in seas, affecting their growth, development, and physiology. It also affects the adaptation of animal and plant species, increasing their risk of extinction.

Climate change adversely affects various environmental components, which also impacts human health, causing hazards such as skin diseases, mental illnesses, and nutritional deficiencies.

Due to climate change, there has also been a change in weather patterns. Heavy rainfall occurs in seasons other than the rainy season, and sometimes there is drought during the rainy season. This affects agricultural farming, as sometimes there is too much rainfall and sometimes none when needed.

The government of Nepal has formulated policies and programs to manage the adverse effects and risks of climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Act 2076, the government of Nepal, provincial government, local level, and other public bodies and the private sector can issue necessary orders regarding measures to mitigate the adverse effects and risks of climate change.

Global warming is increasing due to excessive carbon emissions. Climate change can be controlled by reducing carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency, conservation of energy resources, and prioritizing alternative energy sources like solar and wind energy in transportation, reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Green plants utilize carbon dioxide to prepare food and release oxygen, which is essential for organisms. Emphasis should be given to conservation of forest resources through plantation and conservation of trees, so more carbon can be stored within plants, helping to minimize climate change.

If we make our activities more environmentally friendly, we can minimize climate change. We should make our habits more environmentally friendly and also participate in raising public awareness.

The existence of many types of life on earth is disappearing due to climate change and various other reasons. The number of many animals is decreasing, and some have become extinct. Organisms that are about to become extinct are called rare organisms, and many such rare organisms are found in different parts of Nepal. The survival of all plants and animals depends on biodiversity.

Endangered plants and animals of Nepal

Various species of plants are found in Nepal. Some important plants such as Jatamasi, Champ, Sarpagandha, Panch aule, and Lauth Salla have been decreasing because they are used by humans without considering their status.

The Government of Nepal has implemented the Control of International Trade of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2073 for the conservation of rare wild animals and plants. This act includes rules related to controlled breeding, study research, and sales distribution of rare wild animals and plants.

Collecting firewood, fodder leaves, and grasses from the forest, forest fires, and extension of pasture land lead to the loss or destruction of natural habitats. These activities should be controlled, and haphazard grazing of cattle in forest areas should be stopped.

Raw materials for industries and factories are obtained from different plants. While collecting such raw materials, the existence and protection of useful plants should be kept in mind; they should not be destroyed in a way that they cannot be produced again. Theft and smuggling should be controlled.

To increase the number of rare plants, their seeds should be collected and grown in a nursery. Modern techniques like tissue culture can also be used to produce many saplings at a time, after which afforestation of rare and useful plants can be widely done.

Rules and laws should be made to conserve plants that are about to go extinct or are prone to extinction. Information regarding such laws should be spread to the public and implemented effectively.

It is necessary to make the public aware that most rare plants can be used for medicinal purposes. Public awareness programs about rare plants should be organized at the local level, and local people, communities, and organizations should be mobilized for protecting rare plants.

Due to various human-induced and natural causes, fauna become endangered, extinct, and rare. Various fauna are at risk of extinction due to changes in ecosystems, habitat destruction, adverse environmental effects, poaching, and illegal trade. The Control of International Trade of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2073 has been implemented by the government to control illegal hunting and trade of wildlife.

Extensive study and research work should be carried out to find out the exact status of nature and the ecosystem available, for the conservation of rare animals and birds.

All animals and birds flourish in their own natural habitat. Therefore, natural environments such as forests, streams, watersheds, and pasture lands should be protected for the conservation of rare flora and fauna.

The main reason behind extinction of various fauna is illegal hunting and trade. Rules formulated to control and prevent the hunting of endangered and rare animals and birds should be effectively implemented.

The number of rare animals and birds can be increased by creating a suitable environment for them in ex-situ conservation areas, keeping them in aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, and similar habitats.

Suitable rules and laws formulated for the conservation of rare wild animals and birds should be effectively implemented so that illegal activities are controlled and rare animals can be protected.

Various programs should be conducted to increase public awareness about the importance of rare animals and birds, reasons for their decline, conservation measures, benefits of conservation, and the participation and responsibility of local people.

Very Important for SEE: 27 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 3 species of reptiles are protected in Nepal.

Malabar nut (Asuro), Asiatic pennywort (Ghod tapre), Aloe vera (Ghiu kumari), Holy basil (Tulsi), and Neem are common medicinal plants found in various regions of Nepal. Various parts of medicinal plants are used as raw materials for making different types of medicines.

SEE Focus: According to the Department of Plant Resource, more than 7000 flowering plants are found in Nepal, of which more than 700 species of plants are identified as medicinal plants. The highest number of medicinal plants is identified in the Karnali region.

Medicinal herbs (identification picture)

Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum. Tulsi is a multipurpose medicinal plant found everywhere in the world. It produces more oxygen and is important from a religious point of view; according to tradition, people near the end of life are kept near this plant to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

Tulsi is used as a spice in various dishes and in tea. All parts of the plant — leaf, shoot, flower, root, and seeds — are important and can be used as medicine. Consuming it stimulates the appetite and promotes active and smooth digestion. The plant possesses antimicrobial properties and is used to destroy harmful microorganisms; it is used for disinfection, purifying water, and gargling. In rural areas, its leaves are boiled with water and consumed during throat pain, cold, or infections.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica. Neem is a tall tree whose leaves, root, stem, flower, and fruit are all used for making a variety of Ayurvedic medicine. Its parts are extremely bitter in taste.

Neem juice is very useful in skin-related health problems and is known as a natural purifier of blood, destroying and reducing bad cholesterol in the body. To minimize high blood pressure, neem juice is consumed. Very Important for SEE (Give Reason): excessive consumption of neem juice may lead to extreme low blood pressure and complications.

Neem plant

Scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia. Gurjo is a climbing shrub found in most nurseries and forests of Nepal, from the terai region to the Himalayan region. It grows by taking support of other plants and can be propagated from the stem.

Gurjo boosts the immunity of the body, helping to prevent infections. It is a multipurpose medicinal plant with anti-oxidant properties. Its optimum consumption does not have a negative effect on the body, but excessive consumption reduces the sugar level in the blood.

Heart-leaved moonseed (Gurjo)

Scientific name: Centella asiatica. Ghod tapre is found in tropical places. It is a herbaceous, slightly aromatic, perennial plant that lives for more than two years, creeping along the ground and spreading like a green carpet in swampy and shady places such as paddy fields and stream banks.

All parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. It possesses antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties, and its consumption is beneficial because it is neuroprotective — regular consumption enhances mental capacity and memory power. It contains an anti-stress formula and its consumption relieves depression and anxiety.

Asiatic pennywort (Ghod tapre)

Scientific name: Curcuma longa. Turmeric is a perennial herb whose stem is modified into an underground rhizome. It contains an organic chemical called curcumin, which gives it its medicinal property and yellow colour.

Turmeric also abundantly contains vitamins A, B, B2, and C, along with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It has antimicrobial properties: it makes food spicy and attractive while killing harmful microorganisms in food. Consumption of turmeric enhances the body's immunity, helps destroy toxins in the body, and is used in the treatment of leprosy and scabies.

Turmeric is beneficial in preventing respiratory diseases and heart-related diseases. It is used to make cosmetics and is also used as a natural dye for colouring various materials.

Turmeric plant and rhizome

Scientific name: Adhatoda vasica. Asuro is a medium-sized shrub found in the range of the Chure mountains up to the Mahabharata range. It contains chemicals like vasicine, vasicinone, and hydroxyl vasicine, which give it medicinal properties used in treating respiratory ailments.

Malabar nut (Asuro)

Scientific name: Acorus calamus. Bojo is an erect herb with aromatic parts that grows on swampy land and on the banks of ponds and ditches, growing easily without any human care. Its leaves are sword-shaped, and its modified root-like structure is called a rhizome, which is used as traditional medicine.

Bojo rhizome is beneficial for throat-related health disorders and is used to relieve pain and treat upset stomach. Very Important for SEE (Give Reason): excessive use of Bojo causes nose bleeding.

Calamus (Bojo)

Scientific name: Cordyceps sinensis. Yarsagumba belongs to the fungi group and is found at heights of 3000m-5000m from sea level, in snow-covered grasslands. It is a long, white or brown-coloured fungus about 5-8 cm long that grows on the body of a caterpillar.

Yarsagumba reproduces by spores. Spores released from an old Yarsagumba spread in the atmosphere and get adhered to the body of a caterpillar of a type of butterfly. The spores germinate in the body of that larva, and the hyphae of the fungus spread through the larva's body in search of food. The caterpillar can move for some time but later becomes relaxed as the hyphae spread extensively. Finally, the larva dies under the soil, and the fungus receives nutrients from the dead body of the caterpillar and grows.

SEE Focus: Yarsagumba has two parts — the upper part is fungus and the lower part is the caterpillar. In winter, it seems like an insect in which the fungus is fully developed; in the rainy season, when snow melts, the fungus completely mummifies the dead insect. It has no root, stem, leaf, flower, or fruit, and is used for making medicine in Ayurveda. It is an energy booster when consumed with honey or milk. Because it is rare, its collection, use, sale, and export is prohibited by the government.

Caterpillar fungus (Yarsagumba / Yarchagumba)

Scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris. Tite paati belongs to the herb category and is found in the mid-hilly region of Nepal. This plant is used for the production of various types of cosmetics, perfumes, and organic pesticides.

Farmers also use it as grass, which is dried to make bedding materials (litter) for cattle. Nowadays, scented oil is extracted from this plant.

Mugwort (Tite paati)

Scientific name: Aloe vera. Generally, it grows in dry places. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and serrated. This plant stores food and water in its leaves, and water accumulated in the leaf is gel-like. This gel is used as a remedy for various ailments; in Ayurveda, Ghiu kumari is also considered as 'Sanjivani'.

Vitamins A and C, which are required for humans, are found abundantly in Aloe vera. Regular consumption of Aloe vera juice is beneficial for abdomen, bone joint, and skin-related problems. When its gel is applied to the skin, it provides relief from cracking of the skin and sunburn, helps maintain skin moisture, and makes it glow. It does not allow pimples, dandruff, etc. to occur on the skin. Applying its gel to the hair makes the hair shiny and strengthens the roots. When applied to a burned area, the wound heals faster.

Aloe vera (Ghiu kumari)