Why is Bhutan called "The World's First Carbon Negative Country?

Bhutan has become known for its unique environmental achievements, particularly its ability to absorb more carbon dioxide than it emits. How did Bhutan reach this point, and what lessons can be drawn from its approach?

Forests and Renewable Energy

Bhutan has become carbon negative by absorbing more carbon through its forests and producing renewable energy that it exports. Approximately 75% of the country’s land is covered by forests, and the government has made it a priority to keep at least 60% of its land forested permanently, a commitment written into the constitution.

These forests are crucial to Bhutan’s climate goals, as they capture about nine million tons of carbon each year, while the country’s total emissions are only about two million tons. Additionally, Bhutan further offsets its carbon footprint by exporting hydroelectric power, primarily to India.

Sustainable Power Solutions

Bhutan is focused on building a fully renewable energy grid while protecting its natural environment. The country mostly relies on hydroelectric power, but about 4,000 rural families still don’t have access to the main power grid. To solve this, Bhutan's five-year plans include creating off-grid renewable energy projects to bring clean energy to remote areas.

In addition to this, Bhutan created "biological corridors" that connect protected areas, allowing animals to move freely and helping prevent the loss of biodiversity as the climate changes. This combined approach to clean energy and nature conservation makes Bhutan a leader in sustainability.

Bhutan also helps reduce CO2 emissions by providing free electricity to farmers, which helps them stop using wood for fuel. The country generates a lot of clean, renewable energy from its rivers and even exports some of it to India, supporting clean energy in the region and cutting down on the need for fossil fuels.

Bhutan is also working to bring electricity to more rural areas and aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and produce all its food organically. By combining renewable energy, environmental care, and community support, Bhutan sets an example for other countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Bhutan's Population

Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation is deeply embedded in its constitution, which mandates that at least 60% of the country’s land must remain covered by forests for all time. This provision, introduced after Bhutan became a democracy in 2008, was a response to growing pressures on the country’s forests, particularly in the 2000s when there was increased demand for timber.

The constitutional provision not only aimed to protect the environment but also to prevent ecosystem degradation. Bhutan has exceeded this requirement, currently maintaining around 70% of its land under forest cover. This achievement demonstrates the nation's strong political will and effective governance.

The 60% forest cover mandate plays a crucial role in Bhutan's carbon-negative status by enhancing carbon sequestration, which helps offset the country’s emissions. This legal framework has provided a solid foundation for Bhutan’s environmental policies, ensuring the long-term preservation of its biodiversity and natural resources. Bhutan's success in maintaining and even increasing forest cover offers valuable lessons for other nations, showing how embedding environmental protection in law can create a stable path toward sustainable development and climate action.

How Can The Rest of The World Achieve This

Becoming carbon negative requires a complete and well-rounded plan. Some key strategies include:

Switching to Renewable Energy

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is vital for reducing CO₂ emissions. Bhutan’s use of hydropower has played a major role in its achievement of carbon negativity.

Promoting Forest Conservation and Reforestation

Protecting existing forests and investing in reforestation efforts help absorb more carbon. Bhutan’s constitutional requirement to maintain at least 60% of its land as forested is an example of this approach.

Adopting Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies

The development of CCS technologies, which capture CO₂ emissions from industrial sources and store them underground, can prevent harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere. Recent investments by tech companies in CCS technologies, such as capturing CO₂ from paper mills and sewage plants, showcase their potential.

Implementing these conscious strategies allow countries and businesses to move towards becoming carbon-negative, reducing the impacts of climate change worldwide on an even larger scale.

How Carbon GPT Can Help

Did you know? Carbon GPT can also help you reach carbon-negative goals by calculating your carbon footprint and offer advice on reducing them. It helps track emissions, suggests ways to offset emissions like forest conservation, and keeps users informed about carbon credit programs. By guiding sustainable practices and offering continuous support, Carbon GPT plays a role in fighting climate change.

Conclusion

Achieving a carbon-negative status is a powerful way to combat climate change, and it requires a combination of strategies like using renewable energy, protecting forests, and adopting new technologies. By following these steps, countries and businesses can make a significant impact. With tools like Carbon GPT, individuals and organizations can receive the guidance they need to track and reduce their carbon footprint, helping to build a more sustainable future for everyone.