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

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is calling on wealthy Western nations to follow suit with his country as a carbon-negative nation. The PM believes their prioritization of economic growth over environmental conservation could improve citizens' health and happiness. Bhutan has made significant strides in reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, largely due to its unique cultural connection with nature.

The small landlocked nation in the Himalayas is home to 72% forested territory and has implemented strict measures to protect its environment. The country's constitution dedicates an entire article to environmental conservation, requiring both the government and citizens to take action to preserve biodiversity and prevent ecological degradation.

Bhutan has successfully sequestered carbon dioxide at a rate five times higher than its emissions. However, climate change impacts are still being felt, particularly in mountain ranges where glaciers are melting and lakes are overflowing due to rising temperatures.

Tobgay emphasizes that developing nations require financial support from developed countries to adapt to climate change and reduce their own emissions. He believes rich countries have a moral obligation to help smaller nations by providing finance, technology, and resource transfers.

The PM is advocating for greater recognition of contributions made by carbon-negative or carbon-neutral countries like Bhutan at the UN climate talks. Tobgay argues that while promises are crucial, actual results matter more. Bad behavior should be acknowledged and rewarded, rather than good behavior being taken for granted.

Bhutan's lead on environmental conservation is part of a larger initiative among G-Zero countries – a group including nations not traditionally considered industrialized. They aim to showcase climate solutions and deliver messages to developed countries, which are lagging behind in their efforts to address global warming.

By prioritizing environmental conservation over economic growth, Tobgay believes that nations can achieve both sustainable development and happiness for their citizens. Earth's survival is no longer a concern; it is imperative that we act now to control global warming and fight climate change for future generations.

OMG, 72% forested territory? That's like me trying to find my missing socks in the land of lost socks ... just kidding Bhutan! Seriously though, I'm loving their dedication to environmental conservation. It's time for those rich countries to step up and provide some financial support to developing nations. We can't all be carbon-negative, but if one country is doing it right, let's give them some props . Tobgay's on point with the moral obligation thing – we need more people speaking up about this climate change stuff. And who doesn't want to save the planet for future generations? It's like, don't leave us hanging, Uncle Grumpy Climate Change

OMG Bhutan's carbon-negative move is literally the most inspiring thing I've seen in ages!! Their commitment to environmental conservation is totally admirable, especially considering they're not a superpower or anything . And honestly, who wouldn't want a nation that's all about happiness and sustainability? It's like, what can we learn from Bhutan? I think their approach to prioritizing the planet over profits is so refreshing!

Tshering Tobgay is like, totally speaking my language right now . I mean, who needs economic growth if you're just gonna destroy the planet, right? It's all about finding that balance, and Bhutan seems to be doing it like a pro! They're showing us that we don't have to choose between progress and preservation – we can have both!

can you believe bhutan is trying to take on the whole world with its carbon-negative vibes ? seriously though, i think its a great move to focus on sustainability over economic growth, but dont they know that's not how the western world works? like, have you seen the news about climate change and stuff? it feels like we're running out of time . anyway, im glad they're getting some recognition for their efforts, maybe it'll inspire other countries to step up their game

I'm telling you, this Bhutan thing is like the perfect example of what needs to be done globally . The PM is spot on when he says developed countries gotta step up their game financially and technologically. I mean, these rich nations can't just sit back and expect smaller ones to save the planet by themselves. It's all about reciprocity, you know? Give a little, get a lot in return .

And what's with this "moral obligation" thing? I think it's time we stop playing politics with climate change and start treating it as a real global issue that requires actual action from everyone involved. We can't just keep making empty promises and expecting the rest to do all the heavy lifting. It's time for some serious international cooperation .

I'm loving Bhutan's approach, by the way. Who says you have to choose between economic growth and environmental conservation? You can totally have both if you prioritize it right . We need more countries like Bhutan showing us that a balanced approach is possible. It's time for a global shift in priorities – from profit over people to planet-friendly policies

I'm so down with Bhutan's approach ! They're literally living proof that you can have economic growth and still be kind to the planet . I mean, think about it, when you take care of nature, people are actually happier and healthier too . It's not like they're sacrificing their economy for nothing, but making conscious choices that benefit everyone in the long run . The way they've sequestered carbon at such a high rate is insane ! And I love how Tshering Tobgay is calling out the developed countries to step up and help those in need . It's about time we shift our priorities from just saving ourselves to actually making a difference for the planet !

I think its really cool that Bhutan is like totally ahead of the game when it comes to taking care of the environment , especially considering they're such a small country. I mean, who needs all that economic growth if you can just have clean air and water, right? But seriously, its amazing how their unique cultural connection with nature has helped them prioritize sustainability over profits.

I'm also super impressed by their carbon sequestration skills - five times higher than their emissions is no joke! And I love that they're not afraid to speak up about climate change and ask for help from other countries. We need more leaders like Tshering Tobgay who are willing to take bold action and advocate for the planet.

Its time for the West to catch up and recognize the contributions of carbon-negative countries like Bhutan , because let's be real, they're the ones doing it right now. No more just talking about climate change, we need to start taking real action and providing financial support to developing nations who are on the frontlines of this crisis

omg this guy Tshering Tobgay is like totally on point ! I mean, come on, rich countries gotta step up their game if they wanna save the planet lol. Bhutan's carbon-negative nation status is not just some novelty it's a legit solution to climate change. I'm low-key impressed by their commitment to environmental conservation - who knew it could be part of a economic growth strategy? The PM's right that we need more recognition for countries like Bhutan and other G-Zero nations that are actually doing something about climate change. It's time for developed countries to put their money where their mouth is

lol I think Bhutan is like the ultimate cool kid right now... I mean, who else can make environmental conservation look like a total win-win? They're basically like the Avengers of sustainability, but instead of superhero suits, they're rocking green roofs and hydroelectric power . Tshering Tobgay's idea about wealthy nations following suit is pretty reasonable, imo. Like, if Western countries could just find ways to balance growth with planet-saving, that'd be amazing . I'm curious to see how the G-Zero initiative plays out – hopefully they can show those developed countries a thing or two

I totally get why Bhutan is calling out the West on this, mate... they've been living off the grid for ages and their approach is genuinely working. But, honestly, it feels like everyone's just talking about the problem without actually offering solutions . I mean, Bhutan's all about reducing emissions, but what about when you're in a country with, say, limited resources? How do they scale up their carbon capture tech? We need to be supporting those countries that are already doing this stuff

I think Bhutan is like, totally ahead of the curve on this carbon-negative thing . Their commitment to conservation is so impressive - 72% forested territory? That's like, a lot of trees! And their constitution actually puts environmental protection in law? That's some next-level stuff right there!

But you know what's even crazier? Bhutan's carbon sequestration rate is like FIVE TIMES higher than their emissions! That's like, a huge win-win for the planet. And I love how Tobgay is speaking out about developed countries needing to step up and support developing nations on climate change. It's all about the money, fam - finance, tech, resources... we need it now!

I'm not surprised that G-Zero countries are taking a lead on this initiative though. We should've been doing this years ago . I mean, who needs more proof than Bhutan showing us how it's done? It's time to get serious about climate change and make some real changes. Earth's future is literally in our hands... and I'm counting on leaders like Tobgay to help us do the right thing!

I mean, think about it, Western nations are always talking about how they're doing us 'developing' countries a favor by investing in our economies. But what about the environment? They have this massive advantage when it comes to technology and finance, so why not use that to help us out? It's like Bhutan is saying, "Hey, we're already making moves on sustainability, now can you guys step up?"

I feel like they're getting a bit of an unfair deal, though. I mean, Bhutan has been doing this carbon-negative thing for ages, and it's not just some trendy initiative. It's actually becoming a habit for the country . Developed countries need to recognize that their actions (or lack thereof) have consequences, like rising sea levels and melting glaciers. It's time to stop making promises and start keeping them

im not surprised they're bringing this up again ...bhutan's got some serious cred when it comes to environmental conservation, but i'm still skeptical about their carbon-negative status. like, how can you just sequester that much CO2 without any real economic repercussions? it seems too good to be true

i get what bhutan is trying to say - rich countries need to step up and support developing nations in the fight against climate change ...but at the same time, we can't just ignore our own environmental problems here. it's all about balance, right?

I think its super awesome that Bhutan is leading the way on environmental conservation, y'know? They're like the ultimate example of how nature is our bestie . Prioritizing sustainability over economic growth makes total sense - just think about all the fresh air and green spaces we'd have if everyone did that!

so i was reading about bhutan and its carbon negative thingy... like they're super good at taking care of the environment and stuff and i'm thinking, why can't we do that in our school? i mean, we have a huge carbon footprint from our buses and cafeteria food and stuff... but bhutan is like 5 times more effective at reducing its emissions so it's not just about the money, it's also about having a culture that cares for nature and making sure everyone is on board with sustainable practices

omg u guyz its soooo cool 2 c bhutan takin lead on enviro conservashun !! i think its super reasonable 4 pm 2 ask wealthy western nations 2 step up their game . like, we all no dat economic growth & enviro cons arent mutually exclussive . bhtn's got this whole carbon-neutral thang down pat (theyre even sequestering more CO2 than they emit lol). but u feel me? richer countries need 2 help out less developed nations adapt 2 climate change & reduce their own emissions . its not about being moral or anything, its just basic human decency . and btw, bhtn's lead is part of this dope initiative with G-Zero countries... who r behind this?

omg i think its amazing what bhutan has achieved theyre like totally ahead of the game when it comes to environmental conservation its crazy how their priority on nature has paid off, with 72% forested territory and all that! i feel like we western nations could learn a thing or two from them about living in harmony with nature. its so true that climate change impacts are being felt worldwide, even in mountain ranges where glaciers are melting

i totally agree with tshering tobsgay on the need for financial support from developed countries to help developing nations adapt to climate change we cant just expect them to take care of their own emissions when they dont have the resources. its time for us to step up and provide the help that these countries so desperately need

OMG I'm totally here for Bhutan's carbon-negative vibes ! Like, who wouldn't wanna be part of a country where nature is literally the main priority? They're like, super ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability and climate action. I'm all about that eco-friendly life , and if rich countries can learn from Bhutan's model, then we're all good . We need more leaders like Tshering Tobgay who put people and planet first . It's time for those Western nations to step up their climate game, and I'm low-key excited to see them follow suit . The idea of carbon-negative countries getting recognition at the UN talks is a total win – let's give it up for Bhutan and the G-Zero crew!

I think this Bhutan thingy is actually kinda cool , especially with how they're all about preserving nature and whatnot. It makes sense that their carbon-negative status would be recognized more in the UN talks. We should totes give them some props for being ahead of the game . The whole G-Zero thingy is like a breath of fresh air too - it's time for other nations to step up their climate game ️. I mean, can't we all just get along and protect our planet for future generations?

I think Bhutan's carbon-negative initiative is a huge wake-up call for the rest of the world. We need more countries like this, where environmental conservation is prioritized over economic growth . It's time to redefine what success means – it's not just about GDP growth, but also about the health and happiness of our citizens . Rich countries have a responsibility to support developing nations in their climate change mitigation efforts . We can't just sit back and wait for someone else to take action; we need collective leadership on this issue . The G-Zero initiative is a great step towards promoting sustainable development, but it's time for the international community to hold developed countries accountable for their promises .