Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay says his country's carbon-negative status is a "moral obligation" for wealthier nations to follow suit.
According to Tobgay, prioritising environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth would greatly improve the health and happiness of citizens in developed countries. In contrast, Bhutan has managed to focus on climate action, social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation despite its limited resources and geographical challenges.
The prime minister believes that developed countries have a moral obligation to reduce their own emissions and support developing countries in adapting to climate change. He argues that small countries like Bhutan are already doing more than their fair share to combat global warming.
Bhutan's carbon-negative status is attributed to its unique approach to development, prioritising gross national happiness over GDP. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty, increasing education and life expectancy, while also taking care of the environment.
However, Bhutan faces numerous challenges, including rising temperatures, glacier melting, and increased flooding due to climate change. Despite these challenges, Tobgay remains optimistic about the future, stating that "Earth will survive no matter what we do." He emphasizes the need for urgent action to control global warming and protect the planet's natural resources.
In a bid to pressure developed countries into taking more aggressive action, Bhutan has launched an alliance with other carbon-negative or carbon-neutral countries. The goal is to secure greater recognition and influence at the UN climate talks and encourage other nations to follow suit.
Bhutan's approach serves as a powerful reminder that economic growth can coexist with environmental protection and social well-being. By prioritising sustainability, small developing countries like Bhutan are demonstrating that it's possible to achieve success without compromising the planet's health.
According to Tobgay, prioritising environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth would greatly improve the health and happiness of citizens in developed countries. In contrast, Bhutan has managed to focus on climate action, social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation despite its limited resources and geographical challenges.
The prime minister believes that developed countries have a moral obligation to reduce their own emissions and support developing countries in adapting to climate change. He argues that small countries like Bhutan are already doing more than their fair share to combat global warming.
Bhutan's carbon-negative status is attributed to its unique approach to development, prioritising gross national happiness over GDP. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty, increasing education and life expectancy, while also taking care of the environment.
However, Bhutan faces numerous challenges, including rising temperatures, glacier melting, and increased flooding due to climate change. Despite these challenges, Tobgay remains optimistic about the future, stating that "Earth will survive no matter what we do." He emphasizes the need for urgent action to control global warming and protect the planet's natural resources.
In a bid to pressure developed countries into taking more aggressive action, Bhutan has launched an alliance with other carbon-negative or carbon-neutral countries. The goal is to secure greater recognition and influence at the UN climate talks and encourage other nations to follow suit.
Bhutan's approach serves as a powerful reminder that economic growth can coexist with environmental protection and social well-being. By prioritising sustainability, small developing countries like Bhutan are demonstrating that it's possible to achieve success without compromising the planet's health.