Bhutan PM on leading the first carbon-negative nation: 'The wellbeing of our people is at the centre of our agenda'

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has made a bold statement: his country is leading the way in becoming the world's first carbon-negative nation. According to Tobgay, what sets Bhutan apart is its focus on prioritizing the wellbeing and happiness of its citizens above economic growth.

For Tobgay, environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth are intricately linked, with GDP serving merely as a tool - not an end goal - for promoting happiness and wellbeing. By focusing on this holistic approach to development, Bhutan has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining strong social and cultural fabric.

As the UN climate summit draws to a close, Tobgay is urging wealthy western countries responsible for the climate crisis to follow suit. He argues that these nations should prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth to improve the health and happiness of their citizens.

Tobgay highlights Bhutan's unique approach as an example of how small developing countries can achieve significant success in reducing emissions while growing economically. With 72% of its territory forested, Bhutan serves as a crucial carbon sink.

The country's commitment to environmental protection is deeply ingrained in its culture and constitution. The young democracy has made significant progress since transitioning to democracy three decades ago, with notable improvements in poverty reduction, education, and life expectancy.

However, the effects of climate change are already felt in Bhutan, with rising temperatures causing glaciers to melt and lakes to overflow. As Tobgay notes, mountain ranges are warming faster than the global average, making it challenging for the country to cope.

Bhutan's focus is not limited to its own environmental protection but also on fulfilling its moral and legal obligations to reduce emissions and help developing countries adapt to climate change. The prime minister emphasizes that developed nations must take a leading role in reducing their emissions, providing financial and technological support to developing countries, and promoting climate justice.

Tobgay believes that there is no excuse for larger countries not playing bigger roles in addressing the climate crisis. By prioritizing happiness and wellbeing over economic growth, Bhutan serves as a shining example of how sustainable development can thrive without compromising the environment.

I think its pretty cool that Bhutan's trying to flip the script on how developed countries approach climate change . It makes sense that prioritizing citizens' wellbeing would be more important than just GDP . The fact that they're not even thinking about happiness and wellbeing first is kinda refreshing .

Bhutan's also doing a great job of using nature as a carbon sink - 72% forested is crazy ! It'd be awesome if other countries could learn from their approach, especially the ones causing the most pollution . I mean, we all know that climate change is real and it affects everyone, so its time for us to step up and take responsibility .

The problem is, its not just about Bhutan - we need the big polluters like China and the US to follow suit . They've got way more emissions than anyone else on this planet, so they should be leading the charge . Its all about balance, though - you can't have economic growth without taking care of the environment at the same time .

I'm not saying Bhutan's doing everything right (they're still feeling the effects of climate change), but I do think their approach is definitely worth learning from .

Bhutan's approach to sustainability is totally on point . I mean, who needs GDP when you've got citizens happy and healthy? Their focus on wellbeing above all else is a breath of fresh air in today's world. And it's not like they're sacrificing economic growth, just redefining what success means. I'm loving the idea that they're prioritizing their own emissions reduction goals over pleasing Western nations. It's time for those developed countries to step up and take responsibility for their actions . We need more countries like Bhutan showing us a different path forward, one that puts people and planet first .

I gotta say, I'm loving Bhutan's approach to sustainability . Prioritizing citizens' well-being over GDP is like, so refreshing! It makes sense that countries like theirs would take environmental conservation seriously since they already have a strong connection with nature – 72% of the territory forested? That's insane! I'd love to see more Western countries adopting this holistic approach. It's not just about reducing emissions, but also about promoting happiness and wellbeing . We need to rethink our values and prioritize people over profit (or at least find a better balance).

love this Bhutan's approach to development is so inspiring, they're literally putting people & planet above profits it's like they're saying we don't have to choose between economic growth & environmental conservation, we can do both! Tshering Tobgay is a total boss for speaking truth to power and holding other countries accountable for their climate actions let's get on board with this carbon-negative nation dream

I think its crazy how much focus Western countries have on GDP when they could be learning from Bhutan's holistic approach to development . I mean, 72% forested and still growing? That's some serious sustainability goals right there . Tobgay makes a valid point that environmental conservation and economic growth aren't mutually exclusive – in fact, they're like two sides of the same coin . If other countries started prioritizing wellbeing and happiness too, I reckon we'd see some real progress on the climate front

I'm thinking about this statement by Tshering Tobgay and it got me wondering... what if we redefined our success as a nation not just by our GDP, but by our collective happiness? Would that change the way we approach economic growth? And what does it say about us that Bhutan's approach is considered "bold" while ours seems to be stuck in a different mindset? Is it because we're so caught up in the pursuit of progress that we've forgotten what truly matters? I mean, is happiness even measurable? Can we really put a price tag on it?

man I dont know if i fully buy into this carbon negative thing ...i mean bhutan is doing some good stuff with their approach to development but isnt it just a bunch of feel-good vibes? like, what about the cost? are they really willing to sacrifice economic growth for this happiness and wellbeing nonsense?

and whats with all this focus on developed countries being the problem? cant they just sort out their own mess instead of expecting developing countries like bhutan to carry the load?

i also got some doubts about how sustainable this carbon negative thing is in reality...like, can a country really be completely carbon neutral? isnt that just a fancy way of saying we dont know what were doing?

I'm loving this whole carbon-negative thing Bhutan's going for . I mean, who needs all that fancy GDP growth when you've got people happy and healthy? Tobgay's right on point – it's not just about reducing emissions, it's about creating a better life for everyone. And 72% of its forested territory? That's like, woah . I'm kinda jealous, to be honest. Western countries should totally take note and follow Bhutan's lead. We could all learn from their example – who needs economic growth when you've got a happy and thriving population?

Bhutan's approach to happiness & wellbeing makes me wanna rethink what success means . I mean, it's easy to get caught up in GDP numbers, but Tobgay's right, that's just a tool . If we can measure happiness and wellbeing, why not prioritize those? It's inspiring to see a small country make such a big impact on the environment . We should all be inspired by Bhutan's example . Let's focus on reducing emissions and promoting happiness at the same time .

I think its kinda cool that Bhutan's putting people first over profits, you know? They're not just talking about being carbon-negative, they're actually doing stuff like reforestation and sustainable agriculture to make it happen . Its like they're saying we don't have to choose between our planet and our happiness - we can do both . I mean, its easy to say that when you're a small country, but Bhutan's showing us that even the smallest actions can add up . And I gotta agree with Tshering Tobgay, those wealthy western countries need to step up their game and prioritize people over profits too . We need more examples like Bhutan where development is about so much more than just GDP .

Bhutan's carbon-negative goal is defo on trend! I mean, who needs all that extra cash when you're actually happy & healthy? Prioritizing wellbeing over GDP is the future, imo . I love how Tobgay emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation & sustainable economic growth - it's like, they're not mutually exclusive, fam . Bhutan's forested territory is a massive carbon sink, and I'm all for countries learning from their lead . The fact that they're pushing Western countries to step up their game is super necessary . Climate justice & supporting developing countries are key - we gotta work together to tackle this crisis

omg I gotta say, this Bhutan thingy is actually pretty cool ! like they're literally putting people over profits and it's working for them? 72% forested land is crazy too, it's like a carbon sink paradise . the thing that gets me though is how they're all about spreading the love to other countries and wanting them to follow suit . I mean, Tobgay is literally saying we should prioritize happiness over economic growth and it makes total sense . Bhutan's approach might not be perfect but it's definitely giving me hope for a more sustainable future

lol what's up with all these countries copying Bhutan's vibe tho? I mean I get it, they wanna be eco-friendly but also super happy... sounds like a dream come true! But tbh Bhutan's got 72% of its land forested so that's already a solid starting point . I feel like all the developed countries are just gonna sit back and let Bhutan take the lead on climate change tho... what's up with that?

I don't usually comment but I think its kinda cool how Bhutan's all about putting people first . It's like they're saying that money doesn't matter if everyone's happy and healthy, you know? I'm not sure if it'll work for everyone else but as a small country trying to make a big impact, I can see why they'd want to go this route . The thing is though, what about the cost of transitioning to all this sustainability stuff? Like, does Bhutan just magically have infinite resources or somethin'? But seriously, its interesting to think that bigger countries could learn from their approach and try to find a balance between growth and the environment

OMG , I mean like, this is so inspiring! A country actually putting people and planet above profits? It's like, what's not to love about that?! The fact that they're prioritizing wellbeing over GDP is like, a total game-changer for the world. We need more countries like Bhutan showing us how it's done . And I'm with Tshering Tobgay 100% on this - if wealthy Western countries can't figure out how to work together and support developing countries, then maybe they shouldn't be lecturing anyone else about climate change .

I feel like Bhutan's approach to development is so inspiring especially for us students who are already learning about sustainability in school now a days. I think it's awesome that they prioritize wellbeing and happiness above economic growth, it makes total sense - why should we be happy if the planet isn't? I wish we could make our own country adopt the same approach, maybe then we wouldn't have so many problems with pollution and climate change... but still Bhutan is a great example for us to follow

I gotta disagree with this whole carbon negative thing. I mean, isn't it kinda weird that some country is trying to prove itself by being "cleaner" than everyone else? Like what's wrong with other countries having a bit of pollution and living life? It feels like they're trying to guilt trip us into giving them all our money for climate change solutions. And don't even get me started on the happiness and wellbeing thing - isn't that just code for "let's not bother with economic growth"? I'd rather see some real numbers on how much Bhutan's economy has grown, instead of just some feel-good speeches about being carbon negative.

Wow , I'm really inspired by Bhutan's approach to sustainability! They're putting people over profits and it's working! Interesting to see them using GDP as a tool rather than an end goal... I think we Western countries could learn from that . Bhutan is like the ultimate eco-warrior, with 72% of its land being forested, acting like a massive carbon sink .

I'm loving this eco-friendly vibe from Bhutan! Tshering Tobgay's approach to development is all about people over profit, and I think it's super inspiring. By putting wellbeing and happiness at the forefront, Bhutan has created a holistic approach that benefits both its citizens and the environment.

I'm also here for the fact that they're not just talking the talk – they're walking the walk when it comes to reducing emissions and protecting their carbon sink. 72% forested is no joke! And I love how Tobgay's urging wealthier countries to step up their game, because let's face it, someone's gotta lead on climate action.

It's also fascinating to see how Bhutan's unique approach is being celebrated by the global community. We need more examples like this, especially from smaller developing countries that are often overlooked in the climate conversation.

The fact that they're prioritizing environmental protection and climate justice is a total game-changer. It's time for the world to take notice and follow Bhutan's lead!