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 β 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.
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 β 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.