China accounts for nearly 33 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns over the climate risks facing vulnerable neighbours such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Desk
China’s rising greenhouse gas emissions are increasing climate risks for vulnerable South Asian neighbours, including Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, with concerns growing over the lack of timely information-sharing on cross-border environmental threats, according to a report. Despite presenting itself as a global leader in clean energy, Beijing continues to account for nearly a third of worldwide emissions, raising questions about its responsibility towards countries exposed to the consequences of climate change.
China accounts for approximately 33 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, releasing around 13.1 billion tonnes annually and remaining Asia’s largest emitter. While Beijing highlights its relatively low emissions intensity in relation to economic output, this does not necessarily indicate a reduction in its overall carbon emissions, the report published by The Diplomat stated.
The report pointed to a wider imbalance in which China benefits economically from coal-fired power generation through guaranteed electricity purchases, while neighbouring countries face increasing environmental risks associated with climate change and shared ecosystems.
It argued that China’s influence extends beyond its emissions and role as a major provider of green technology. Its position as an upstream country also gives it significant influence over river systems, glaciers and other shared environmental resources that affect downstream nations.
South Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including extreme heatwaves, floods and rising sea levels, despite contributing a comparatively smaller share of historical global emissions.
Cross-border climate risks raise concerns
The report highlighted recent flooding in Nepal as an example of the risks faced by downstream communities.
In August 2026, a devastating transboundary glacial flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Environmental experts subsequently identified around 25 glacial lakes in China that could pose potential risks to Nepal and neighbouring regions.
A similar incident occurred in July 2025, when a glacial lake outburst flood originating in China’s Gyirong County caused deaths and widespread destruction in Nepal.
The report argued that such incidents highlighted the unequal distribution of climate risks, with hazards originating upstream while communities downstream bear much of the human and economic cost.
“Without commenting on causation, one can note that these hazards are highly asymmetric: risks originate upstream, and casualties are borne downstream,” the report stated.
It stressed that real-time hydrological data-sharing and joint monitoring were essential for improving disaster preparedness and ensuring accountability between countries sharing river systems.
The report also called for greater cooperation between China and India on climate security, particularly in monitoring glacier melt, improving flood forecasting and developing shared environmental data systems.
Such collaboration could help both countries identify potential threats earlier and improve their ability to respond to floods and other water-related emergencies.
However, it alleged that China’s resistance to transparent climate cooperation had increased India’s vulnerability to flooding and water-related shocks.
The report further argued that Beijing’s growing influence over regional ecosystems required greater transparency and stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries.
With Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh among the countries facing significant climate-related threats, the need for regional coordination has become increasingly important.
It concluded that China’s climate responsibilities should be assessed not only through its emissions and clean energy commitments but also through its approach to managing shared environmental risks and providing timely information to vulnerable neighbours.
