Recently: Bhutan, as a net zero emissions country, now serves as a carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 than emitting.
What is a carbon sink?
- A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
- It can be a natural ecosystem such as forests, oceans, or soil, or it can be an artificial system like carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
- Carbon sinks help to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
What does it mean to be carbon negative ?
- Bhutan has a large amount of tree cover, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Bhutan produces only 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, but absorbs 7 million tonnes.
- Bhutan exports most of its renewable hydro-electric power, which counteracts its carbon emissions.
These factors have made Bhutan a carbon sink, meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. This is a significant achievement, and it shows that Bhutan is committed to reducing its impact on climate change.
About Bhutan’s carbon sink status:
- Bhutan’s forests cover more than 70% of the country’s land area.
- Bhutan’s government has a policy of sustainable development, which includes protecting the environment.
- Bhutan has invested in renewable energy, such as hydroelectric power.
- Bhutan is a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Bhutan’s carbon sink status is an inspiration to other countries. It shows that it is possible to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. Other countries can learn from Bhutan’s example and take steps to become carbon sinks.
How did Bhutan become carbon-negative?
Here are some of the ways Bhutan became carbon negative:
- A ban was placed on log exports.
- The constitution states that 60% of the country’s total land area remains under forest cover for all time.
- Free hydroelectric power generated by Bhutan’s many rivers is used instead of less environmentally friendly fossil fuels.
- Free electricity is provided to rural farmers.
Bhutan’s unwavering focus on reducing its negative impact on the environment and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices has had positive results in the country itself, as well as worldwide.
- Bhutan is a small, non-industrialised nation and their environmental method would see challenges on a larger scale, such as in bigger industrialised countries like Australia.
- However, Bhutan’s achievement does demonstrate what can be achieved when environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the political agenda.
What does the future hold for Bhutan?
- Bhutan plans to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste by 2030.
- Bhutan is increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources, such as wind, biogas, and solar power.
- Bhutan has partnered with Nissan to provide the country with electrical cars.
- Bhutan is providing rural farmers with free electricity to lessen their dependence on wood stoves for cooking.
- Bhutan has planted millions of trees in recent years, including a world record of 49,672 trees in one hour.
- Bhutan is investing in park conservation to prevent hunting and poaching and help communities manage natural resources efficiently.
Bhutan is a shining example of what is possible when a country is committed to sustainability. Its environmental initiatives are proving that it is possible to address climate change with compassion, commitment, and creativity.
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