Bhutan is the first country in the world to achieve carbon-negative status, thanks to its vast forests that cover 70% of the land and absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) than the nation produces from all its activities. This accomplishment stems from Bhutan’s thorough development strategy. Since this accomplishment, two other countries, Suriname and Panama, have joined them in becoming carbon-negative.
Where is Bhutan situated and what drives its uniqueness?
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked nation in South Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas between China to the north and India to the south, with the Indian state of Sikkim separating it from neighboring Nepal. Bhutan, with a population of over 750,000 and covering an area of 38,394 square kilometers, holds the 133rd position in land size and the 160th in population. Bhutan operates as a constitutional monarchy, with a Druk Gyalpo (king) serving as the head of state and a prime minister acting as the head of government. The Je Khenpo is the leader of the state religion, which is Vajrayana Buddhism.
Temples in Bhutan's misty, mountainous terrains highlight its status as a premier travel destination, blending spiritual serenity with natural beauty. The Himalayas provide a stunning backdrop to these ancient structures, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Iconic sites like Paro Taktsang and Punakha Dzong showcase devotion and architectural brilliance. Visitors are captivated by the visual splendor and tranquil atmosphere, inviting reflection and peace.
Tourist numbers remain low due to government policies limiting visitors, emphasising Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. By capping tourist influx, the government preserves ecosystems and cultural landscapes, preventing degradation from mass tourism. This high-value, low-impact approach ensures an authentic experience, fostering appreciation for Bhutan’s cultural integrity and environmental sustainability.
In the late 1970s, the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), drawing inspiration from Buddhist culture. The nation values the GNH index more than economic growth, ensuring that development does not negatively impact its distinct culture or environment. The GNH is based on four pillars: good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Ironically, even though Bhutan emphasizes the Gross National Happiness index, it ranks only 95th in the world according to the latest rankings.
What does it mean to be carbon negative ?
Carbon dioxide, primarily from human activities like farming, forestry, and burning fossil fuels, is the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Most countries emit more carbon dioxide than oceans and plants can absorb, exacerbating climate change. However, Bhutan is an exception, with over 70% forest cover, making it a carbon sink that absorbs more CO2 than it emits. Bhutan absorbs about seven million tonnes of CO2 annually while producing only two million tonnes. Additionally, Bhutan exports renewable hydro-electric power, further reducing its carbon footprint.
How did Bhutan achieve it's carbon-negative status?
Since Bhutan's political agenda is centered around their Gross National Happiness (GNH) index model, environmental protection swiftly became a primary focus. This initiative began in 2009 at the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UN COP 15) in Copenhagen, where COP member states pledged to maintain carbon neutrality indefinitely. Bhutan reaffirmed this commitment at COP 21 in 2016.
Here are some of the ways Bhutan achieved carbon negativity:
The country actively promotes afforestation (which involves establishing completely new forests).
Requiring a minimum forest cover of 60% in the nation's constitution.
It provides free electricity to reduce emissions from burning wood.
Encouraging the use of hydroelectric power as a substitute for fossil fuels.
Provides subsidies for LED lighting.
Provide financial support for Nissan electric vehicles.
It also established protected areas with stringent regulations against poaching, mining, hunting, and pollution.
Establishes biological corridors that allow animals to freely move, adapt, and reproduce.
Bhutan has banned logging for export
Bhutan’s unwavering focus on reducing its negative impact on the environment and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices has had positive results in the country itself, as well as worldwide. It is important to note that Bhutan is a small, non-industrialised nation and their environmental method would see challenges on a larger scale, such as in bigger industrialised countries like Australia or the USA. However, Bhutan’s achievement does demonstrate what can be achieved when environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the political agenda.
What does the future hold for Bhutan?
By 2030 Bhutan plans to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to produce zero waste. This means putting a comprehensive plan of action into place, with items such as increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources – like wind, biogas and solar power.
Other creative environmental initiatives in Bhutan include a partnership with Nissan to provide the country with electrical cars. Bhutan hopes to eventually replace all vehicles that rely on fossil fuels with those that run on electricity. The government has also started providing rural farmers with free electricity in order to lessen their dependence on wood stoves for cooking.
And they didn’t stop there. Even more trees have been planted. In June 2015, volunteers set a world record in Bhutan by planting 49,672 trees in just one hour.
In addition to this, every year the government of Bhutan sets aside resources that are used to conserve parks. These resources support activities that prevent hunting and poaching and assist communities who live in parks to manage natural resources efficiently. In 2016, Tshering Tobgay – the prime minister of Bhutan (1st term) – highlighted the country’s innovative strategies. His talk ended with the message: “I invite you to help me, to carry this dream beyond our borders to all those who care about our planet’s future. After all, we’re here to dream together, to work together, to fight climate change together, to protect our planet together. Because the reality is we are in it together.”
Bhutan's environmental achievements are due to the production and export of clean renewable electricity, alongside investments in green industries and organic agriculture.
Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan (2nd term), emphasised, "We accomplish this by prudently managing our scarce resources and staying true to the fundamental mission of GNH, which is 'development with values.' Our economy is modest and requires bolstering, but not at the cost of our distinct culture or pristine environment."
Conclusion
Bhutan is focused on long-term carbon negativity and sustainability, while the world emits carbon at unsustainable rates. Countries like the U.S., Japan, and the EU aim for "net-zero" emissions, but these goals allow for delays in reducing emissions. Without immediate global action, climate change will worsen, affecting all, including Bhutan. Despite being carbon negative, Bhutan will suffer from climate change due to its geography and small economy. It faces increasing flash floods, windstorms, forest fires, and landslides. A major threat is glacial lake outburst floods (known as GLOFs) due to melting Himalayan glaciers. The 1994 a GLOF disaster killed 21 people and damaged land. About 2% of Bhutan's glacial lakes are at high GLOF risk, threatening human settlements and agriculture, crucial to Bhutan's economy.
Bhutan has made possible what few other countries have been able to achieve. This carbon-negative country has shown us how we can address climate change with compassion, commitment and creativity and come out on top.
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