THIMPHU: Bhutan has stood out as a nation achieving net zero emissions, successfully reducing its carbon impact and becoming a carbon absorber, effectively taking in more CO2 than it emits, as highlighted by The Bhutan Update on Tuesday, 15 August.
This recent analysis from the World Economic Forum pinpointed that Bhutan, along with seven other countries, has remarkably achieved the status of net zero emissions.
Bhutan was an active participant among the 196 countries that pledged under the Paris Agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference, aiming to limit global temperature rises to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius above the levels of the pre-industrial era, as noted by The Bhutan Update.
Besides Bhutan, countries like Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean, and Gabon, positioned in Central Africa, have successfully managed their carbon output, setting a benchmark for the rest of the world. Specifically, Comoros has diligently overseen its farming, fishing, and livestock industries, reinforced by stringent environmental protocols to maintain minimal emissions.
The Bhutan Update emphasized Bhutan’s distinctive achievement of becoming the inaugural country to reach net zero emissions. This accomplishment can be attributed to its 800,000 citizens and an impressive 70% forest cover. The country emphasizes eco-friendly farming and forestry methods, further supported by a heavy dependence on hydropower and the judicious oversight of its primary economic activity, tourism. In a significant move, Bhutan levies a $200 sustainability fee daily from visitors, highlighting the nation’s commitment to eco-friendly travel and nature conservation.
Furthermore, the integral connection between Bhutan’s forests and its spiritual traditions has been instrumental in its emission control strategy. With a climate-responsive forestry approach, Bhutan reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves ecosystems for various species, limits forest fires, and emphasizes eco-friendly forest resource management, thereby promoting a regenerative economic model. The country is also venturing into pioneering projects focusing on sustainable wood-based construction, demonstrating forward-thinking strategies.
The pathway Bhutan has forged towards net zero emissions, driven by its unwavering dedication to both the environment and its cultural legacy, offers a beacon of hope for the global community. As the world grapples with the multifaceted challenges of climate change, Bhutan’s tale inspires a global shift towards eco-conscious actions to protect our invaluable Earth, as echoed by The Bhutan Update.
