This means the country’s carbon sinks, such as its forests, absorb more carbon dioxide each year than its sources of pollution, such as factories, emit. Bhutan is carbon negative. Vaishnavi has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (India) and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Global Studies (whatever that is) from Humboldt University, Berlin (Germany). But the country of about 750,000 people has set some impressive environmental benchmarks. Tsering Tobgay pointed out that when Bhutan made a promise to remain carbon neutral for all time, at the 2009 climate change talk in Copenhangen, the governments were so occupied in a war of words on climate change … Carbon Negative Bhutan Strives To Maintain Its Status As The ‘Shangri-La’ With A Pristine Environment. The government of Bhutan has a history of basing political decisions on a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, and abandoning economic growth as their compass. As we’ve written about in the past, Bhutan is not merely carbon neutral, it’s also a carbon … A carbon negative country tag can be achieved by the activities that directly reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. But that's not all. Bhutan: the world’s first carbon-negative country. 1 Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park (Applause) We export most of the renewable electricity we generate from our fast-flowing rivers. Even more trees have been planted. Some, in fact, don’t even bother to make an attempt, hoping that things will just get better on their own. (Source: Ryderwalker) By AFP. The dedication of the Bhutanese to this issue is because they are the ones who really feel the effects of global warming. Actually, Bhutan is one of the very few countries on Earth to lay claim to being a carbon sink, meaning it has negative carbon emissions. The government strongly adhere to its policy of ‘high value, low impact’ tourism policy. The country has long partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to … While most of the world sits around debating about climate change, Bhutan bears the brunt of it. According to data calculated in 2013, China unsurprisingly has the largest carbon footprint on the planet with 10.5 million kilotons of greenhouse emissions. They're covered by a Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA 4.0).Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA 4.0). Bhutan: the world’s first carbon-negative country (Climate Action) BHUTAN IS THE WORLD’S ONLY CARBON NEGATIVE COUNTRY, SO HOW DID THEY DO IT? Bhutanese officials don’t believe that any kind of economic growth can be justified unless it goes hand-in-hand with the values and culture of the country. Why Is It So Special? Bhutan lies at South Asian Country at the eastern end of the Himalayas. The carbon negative country tag can be achieved by the activities that directly reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, they are not just protecting the existing tree cover, the kingdom of Bhutan vigorously encourages afforestation. It’s the only country in the world to make such a switch and the first country to become carbon negative. Bhutan has made possible what no other country has been able to achieve. Instead of going for unrestrained industrialization, Bhutan chose to balance economic growth with social development, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. This begs the question again on why then the Bhutanese are very difficult to please? Sustainable Development Career Accelerator, Environmental and Corporate Sustainability, Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies, Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing, Foundations in Climate Change & Sustainability. The government has also started providing rural farmers with free electricity in order to lessen their dependence on wood stoves for cooking. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. 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. Keys to Bhutan is a rags-to-riches story. It started back in 2009 during the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UN COP 15) in Copenhagen. The country produces this electricity through its rivers, of which Bhutan has an abundance. This counteracts the country’s contribution towards carbon emissions by millions of tons each year. In fact, this country has emerged as a dark horse in both political and environmental progression. Six animal species and how they are affected by climate change, But the Kingdomof Bhutan stands out from the crowd. . In today’s world where densely populated metropolitan cities around the world are contributing to global warming with their carbon emissions, Bhutan is not even a carbon-neutral but a carbon negative country. Since the 1950s, the kings of Bhutan have enthusiastically promoted different degrees of democracy in their country.The current monarch empowered the Parliament so much that they now have the ability to impeach a king! Bhutan has intentionally managed to do this. While many nations are struggling to reduce their carbon emissions, the Kingdom of Bhutan is already carbon negative: it takes more greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere than it … This large amount of tree cover has seen Bhutan becoming a carbon sink – meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. This tranquil nation is only carbon-negative country rendering the perfect skip from polluted Metropolis of the world. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index may not have led to it being the happiest country, but it has improved life spans and produced other tangible gains. Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon emissions altogether (the transition to a “post-carbon economy”). Fog-enshrouded temples nestled in mountainous terrains gives you a glimpse of what makes Bhutan a top-travel destination. This carbon-negative wonder country has shown us how we can address climate change with compassion, commitment and creativity and come out on top. Deep in the Himalayas, on the border between China and India, lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, which has pledged to remain carbon neutral for all time. In comparison, only seven countries or parts of nations have pledged to be carbon neutral, not even carbon negative. Being carbon negative essentially means that Bhutan not only offsets its own carbon footprint, but effectively rids the environment of more carbon dioxide than the nation produces. At a 2016 TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk, Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, spoke about Bhutans pledge to remain carbon neutral for all time. Contact us (+975) 2 327232; info@keystobhutan.com; www.keystobhutan.com; … And they didn’t stop there. She claims she has learned a lot through traveling but she still ends up pulling a door marked ‘Push’, so the jury is still out on that one. A project by Information is Beautiful. Gross national happiness in Bhutan: the big idea from a tiny state that could change the world. Through absolutely no fault of theirs, Bhutan is already suffering from the effects of  the world’s – especially China and India – complacency regarding its environmental policies. Most countries produce far more carbon dioxide than the world’s oceans and plant life are able to absorb. It showed the world what was possible, and how any country could look into reducing its carbon emissions. Bhutan is not merely carbon neutral, it’s also a carbon sink—making it one of the few countries in the world to have negative carbon emissions. On June 2, 2015, Bhutan set a Guinness world record by planting 49,672 trees in an hour. Bhutan is the perfect blend of culture, artificial masterpiece, and amazing landscapes topped with that soulful hospitality of the … View & Buy 6000+ Plants >> What are Mutations and what are the different types of Mutations? Deep in the Himalayas, on the border between China and India, lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, … Bhutan’s carbon footprint is only 2.2 million tons of CO2, but interestingly, Bhutan has dedicated 72% of its land to forest cover. The gentle whirring of the wind turbine speaks volumes for Bhutan’s record as the world’s only carbon negative country, but major challenges … This large amount of tree cover has seen Bhutan becoming a carbon sink – meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. A visa costs 200 GBP per day, making it […] It’s the only country in the world to make such a switch and the first country to become carbon negative. Bhutan Nuns Foundation Poised to Launch New Training Center for Female Monastics with First Resident Nuns Prime Minister of Bhutan … Bhutan is an anomaly among other countries of the world. 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, and worldwide. Carbon projects and emissions trading are often used to reduce carbon emissions, and carbon dioxide can even sometimes be prevented from entering the atmosphere entirely (such as by carbon scrubbing). Free hydroelectric power generated by Bhutan’s many rivers is used instead of less environmentally friendly fossil fuels. Bhutan is in fact already considered the world leading 'carbon negative' country, as it sucks up three times the CO2 emissions that the 700,000 population produces, turning the country into a carbon sink according to the the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit's(ECUI) 'carbon comparator' tool. For the sake of comparison, the net worth of Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India, is 18.9 billion dollars! Here are some of the ways Bhutan became carbon negative: 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, and worldwide. Centre Number: 17067. It has so many trees that the country has become a carbon sink for 6 million tons of CO2! Learning Provider Number (LPN): 10002692 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. Another person might add to their footprint indirectly by buying an industrially-made product whose creation involved a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. Why Are There Stones Along Railway Tracks? The Kingdom of Bhutan is the only country that is currently carbon negative and it remains committed to securing a green and sustainable future. Actually, Bhutan is one of the very few countries on Earth to lay claim to being a carbon sink, meaning it has negative carbon emissions. It takes bold promise to remain carbon neutral throughout life time by maintaining sixty percent of forest coverage as mentioned in the constitution and the fact is it is a carbon negative as of now. • The constitution was amended to include that forested areas would not drop below 60%. Environmental subsidies – Bhutan subsidizes LED lights, which are more environmentally friendly than the alternatives. Bhutan pledged to reforest its land of which two-thirds is already covered by forests. High levels of carbon dioxide increase the amount of heat that is trapped in the atmosphere, this is one of the causes of climate change. The broad diversity of animals are therefore free to roam throughout the country! Bhutan is probably the only Carbon Negative Economy in the world, reportedly absorbing 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year as compared to about 2.5 million tonnes of the gas released each year. Being carbon negative essentially means that Bhutan not only offsets its own carbon footprint, but effectively rids the environment of more carbon dioxide than the nation produces. Bhutan shares the border with China in north and India in East, West and South sides. Today, this tiny country offsets 6 million tons of CO2 that would have otherwise developed outside its borders. absorbs roughly seven million tons of carbon dioxide annually and only produces around two million tons. The industrialized world has been spewing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases faster than they can be contained for centuries. free electricity is provided to rural farmers. The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” It earned the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas. Protected areas – Most of Bhutan’s forest cover falls under protected areas. Are We Born With A Fixed Personality or Can It Be Manipulated By Our Environment? Bhutan is carbon negative. The small nation lies deep within the Himalayas between China and India, two of the most populated countries in the world. It's been so successful that Bhutan says it's not only carbon-neutral, it's carbon-negative. Bhutan is a country that values its culture and protects the environment. Bhutan is a small country situated between India and China, which are major producers of carbon dioxide and yet, it has managed to achieve complete carbon neutrality in the past years. She loves to read and to sing, especially to avoid awkward situations. Go on, smile! By 2030 Bhutan plans to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to produce zero waste. Bhutan hopes to eventually replace all vehicles that rely on fossil fuels with those that run on electricity. Why Do Women’s Clothes Have Buttons On The Left Side? This unparalleled achievement, in addition to Bhutan’s zealous commitment to sustainable governance and resolute environmental reforms, offers the world a reality in which carbon-free living is possible. Know about world's first carbon negative country, Bhutan in under two minutes. Bhutan: the world’s first carbon-negative country. For sinking so much of the carbon we so rashly produce, this gorgeous country deserves an award – or at least a global round of applause! Bhutan has a big carbon-negative reputation to uphold, and even bigger plans for the future. It showed the world what was possible, and how, and to produce zero waste. This unparalleled achievement, in addition to Bhutan’s zealous commitment to sustainable governance and resolute environmental reforms, offers the world a reality in which carbon-free living is possible. Sixteen awesome summer volunteer programs for 2021, Taking a gap year during college? Source: Youtube/TED Similarly in 2013, Ida Kubiszewski, a professor at the Australian National University and a team … 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. If Bhutan were carbon neutral, it would be the only country into the world to earn that designation. That remarkable country is the Kingdom of Bhutan. Why Bhutan is called as carbon negative country. Bhutan is a seldom travelled destination. It takes bold promise to remain carbon neutral throughout life time by maintaining sixty percent of forest coverage as mentioned in the constitution and the fact is it is a carbon negative as of now. So other countries around Bhutan now receive clean electricity as well. It accounts for more than one-quarter of the global carbon footprint! ”,  Tshering Tobgay – formerly the Prime Minister of Bhutan – highlighted the country’s innovative strategies. Bhutan became the first and only carbon negative country. The constitution was amended to include that forested areas would not drop below 60%. Bhutan is often overlooked by the international community. This is because the government of Bhutan has put steps in place to prevent massive amounts of tourists from entering the country at any given time. It’s carbon negative. Here COP’s member states made a promise to remain carbon neutral for all time. It's located at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father rivers) in Bhutan. By 2030, Bhutan even promises to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and produce zero waste. While many nations are struggling to reduce their carbon emissions, the Kingdom of Bhutan is already carbon negative: it takes more greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere than it emits. Bhutan is one of them who have achieved carbon neutrality. Bhutan is a carbon negative country- PM September 29, 2015 / 0 Comments / in News / by kuensel1. By Tyler Protano-Goodwin 6 hours ago Tweet Majestic fog-enshrouded temples nestled in mountainous terrain is often the first image that one conjures up when thinking of Bhutan. Gravitational Lensing: What It Is And How It Is Helping Us Discover New Galaxies, What Exactly is Archimedes Principle: Explained in Simple Words, What is Evolution? This website uses cookies for an improved user experience. This further deepens my curiosity since Bhutan is not only the carbon negative country in the world but also a bastion of Mahayana Buddhism with the spirit of compassion as its doctrine. But it’s not carbon neutral. For example, back in March 2016, the Bhutanese people celebrated the birth of their new prince by planting 108,000 trees! Landlocked between China and India, Bhutan has been an independent state throughout its history, building a national identity around the tenets of Buddhism. 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