This country isn't just carbon neutral — it's carbon negative | Tshering Tobgay

Summary

In this insightful talk, a Bhutanese representative highlights the nation's unique approach to development, emphasizing 'Gross National Happiness' over economic growth. Bhutan's commitment to carbon neutrality is underscored by its rich biodiversity, constitutional environmental mandates, and innovative conservation efforts like 'Bhutan For Life'. The speaker dreams of a global initiative, 'Earth For Life', to support sustainable practices worldwide, urging collective action against climate change.

Takeaways

• 👕 The speaker humorously clarifies that their attire is Bhutan's national dress, the 'gho', worn by men, and contrasts it with the women's national dress.
• 🏞 Bhutan is a small, underdeveloped country located in the Himalayas, situated between China and India, striving to survive and thrive with a population of around 700,000.
• 🤴 The country's progress is attributed to its enlightened monarchs who have pursued a balanced approach to development, emphasizing 'Gross National Happiness' (GNH) over Gross National Product.
• 💡 GNH is a holistic development approach that prioritizes happiness and well-being, guiding all development in Bhutan since the 1970s.
• 🌱 Bhutan's constitution mandates a minimum of 60% forest cover, which currently stands at 72%, making it a global biodiversity hotspot and contributing to its carbon neutrality.
• 🌳 Bhutan is carbon negative, with its forests absorbing more CO2 than the country emits, and it exports renewable energy, offsetting significant amounts of carbon dioxide emissions in neighboring regions.
• 🔋 Bhutan is committed to remaining carbon neutral through various initiatives, including providing free electricity to rural farmers, investing in sustainable transport, and government efforts to go paperless.
• 🌳 The country's protected areas, connected by biological corridors, are central to its carbon neutral strategy, allowing wildlife to roam freely across the landscape.
• 💰 Bhutan For Life is a funding initiative aimed at securing financial support for the protection of Bhutan's natural environment until the government can fully fund these efforts independently.
• 🌍 The speaker proposes the idea of 'Earth For Life', a global fund to replicate the Bhutan For Life model in other countries to conserve their protected areas.
• 🤝 The speech concludes with a call to action for collective global efforts to combat climate change and protect the planet, emphasizing unity despite cultural differences.

Q & A

What is the traditional dress of Bhutanese men called, and what makes it unique?

The traditional dress of Bhutanese men is called a 'gho'. It is unique because it allows men to wear bright colors and show off their legs, similar to the women's traditional dress but with a distinctive flair.

What is Bhutan's approach to development known as, and what does it emphasize?

Bhutan's approach to development is known as 'Gross National Happiness' (GNH), which emphasizes a holistic development that balances economic growth with social development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation within the framework of good governance.

Why is Bhutan referred to as carbon negative rather than carbon neutral?

Bhutan is referred to as carbon negative because its forests sequester more than three times the amount of carbon dioxide the country generates, making it a net carbon sink for more than four million tons of carbon dioxide each year.

How does Bhutan's constitution ensure environmental sustainability?

Bhutan's constitution mandates that a minimum of 60 percent of the country's total land must remain under forest cover at all times, ensuring environmental sustainability.

What is the significance of Bhutan's free education and healthcare system in relation to its small economy?

Despite having a small economy, Bhutan provides free education and healthcare to all citizens, reflecting its commitment to the core mission of GNH, which is development with values.

How did Bhutan's king impose democracy on the country?

Bhutan's king imposed democracy by including it in the constitution, even though the people did not demand it. He also included provisions for the people to impeach their kings and for kings to retire at the age of 65.

What is the purpose of Bhutan For Life, and how does it function?

Bhutan For Life is a funding mechanism designed to protect Bhutan's parks until the government can fully finance the conservation efforts. It aims to raise a transition fund from individual donors, corporations, and institutions, with the deal closing only after predetermined conditions are met and all funds are committed.

What is the concept of 'Earth For Life' proposed by the speaker, and what is its goal?

The concept of 'Earth For Life' is a global fund proposed to replicate the Bhutan For Life idea in other countries, aiming to conserve protected areas worldwide. It seeks to mobilize leadership, resources, influence, and passion to support countries facing similar environmental challenges.

How does Bhutan plan to remain carbon neutral, and what are some of the initiatives mentioned in the script?

Bhutan plans to remain carbon neutral through various initiatives such as providing free electricity to rural farmers to reduce firewood use, investing in sustainable transport and subsidizing electric vehicles, subsidizing LED lights, going paperless in government operations, and implementing national programs like Clean Bhutan and Green Bhutan.

What is the impact of climate change on Bhutan, and how is the country addressing it?

Climate change has led to the melting of glaciers in Bhutan, causing flash floods and landslides, and resulting in widespread destruction. To address this, Bhutan has committed to remaining carbon neutral, investing in renewable energy, and protecting its environment through various conservation efforts.

What is the role of the World Wildlife Fund in Bhutan's conservation efforts, as mentioned in the script?

The World Wildlife Fund is the principal partner of Bhutan in its conservation journey, assisting in the country's efforts to protect its environment and maintain its status as a carbon-negative nation.