Sumana Das, Pune
On Tuesday, Bhutan Live reported Bhutan has emerged as a net zero Carbon emission country. The country has not only curbed its carbon footprint but also has started to function as a carbon sink.
What happens in the case of a carbon sink?
The carbon sink gathers and holds the chemical molecule containing carbon. As a result, it may absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than it can release.
Bhutan was one of eight nations listed in a recent World Economic Forum study that had achieved net zero emissions.
196 countries, including Bhutan, ratified the Paris Agreement in 2015 at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21). The meeting placed a strong emphasis on limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.
Besides Bhutan, two other countries, Comoros in East Africa and Gabon in Central Africa, have successfully managed to control their carbon emissions, setting examples for other countries.
What are the factors that helped the country to achieve the net zero tag?
Furthermore, the publication mentioned that the unique success that Bhutan has achieved lies in the population range of 800,000 and the presence of intense greenery. The nation also focuses on concepts like sustainable organic farming and forest practices; relies on renewable energy like Hydropower and also the sensible management of the tourism aspect, which is its major economic driver.
Bhutan charges a $200 sustainable development fee per day to tourists, highlighting the importance of eco-tourism and environmental well-being.
Another significant aspect that assisted the nation in reducing carbon emissions is the intensity of its forests. Bhutan as a nation uses a circular economy to manage sustainable forestry operations for timber, fruit, and rubber plantations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting animal habitats, reducing wildfires, and managing wildlife habitats. The nation has recently been experimenting with a practical timber building.
Bhutan’s unwavering dedication to preserving the environment, according to Bhutan Live, serves as an example for people all around the world. It can assist other countries in adopting sustainability practices that can be beneficial for preserving the environment.
Currently, India is also starting the sustainability journey under the central government initiative National Green Mission. The country will be experiencing the first-ever green hydrogen project in Maharashtra expected to be finished by 2030. The country has set up its target to meet net zero emissions by 2070.