Carbon Neutral Nation of the World-Bhutan I Blog By Saiaansh

Carbon Neutral Nation of the World-Bhutan

Is it possible in these times where we are fighting with Global Warming across the Globe. Yes, it’s possible. Bhutan is the only carbon neutral country in the world. It is spread merely in square kilometers; the country is pretty small at 38,394 km2 or 14,824 sq. mts.

What Does Carbon Neutral Mean?

Carbon Neutral basically means, that amount of carbon or pollution the country produces is neutralized by the vast forest across Bhutan. You might think, how much area does the forests cover Bhutan? Its nearly 70% which means only 30% of the land is habituated. Even the constitution of Bhutan states that at least 60% of Bhutan’s land should be covered with forest. With nearly 0% pollution there may be some tough problems like electricity production and transportations.

How Bhutan Produces Clean Energy?

Hydroelectricity

But they have solved them well, for electricity they use hydroelectricity which is basically making water dams. Hydroelectricity is created by spinning a wheel by force of the falling water from high altitude water dams. This mechanical energy from the spinning wheel is then stored as electric energy.

Electric Transportation

For transportation they use electric vehicles which do not produce pollution. These hydropower projects have been exported and installed by India in pieces under the supervision of India-Bhutan Hydropower Co-operation. They were named Chukha Tala, Kurichhu, Dagachhu and Mangdechhu, some of them were fully funded by the Indian government.

Bhutan’s Tourism Rules

Bhutan also supports tourism because it’s a beautiful country but they have strict rules for tourist:

1.     They require tourist to obtain entry permit
2.     Pay a sustainable development fee of Rs. 1200 per person per night.
3.     They should use Bhutan-registered Vehicles and drivers.

Tree-Planting Initiative

These sets of rules also help in maintaining the pollution level. A brilliant idea was that when a child was born, they would plant saplings, which helped Bhutan to go further green and carbon negative. Close to Bhutan is India in the south and China in the North.

Bhutan’s Neighbours

The nearest Indian state shares boundaries with Bhutan in Sikkim, it may not be Carbon negative but it is a Carbon-neutral state in India. Many people believe that it is impossible for a country to go carbon negative but Bhutan accomplished it by its Hydropower plants, which unlike nuclear plants do not produce harmful gasses. Bhutan generates 40% of national revenue through clean energy sales to India, producing approximately 2,345MW annually.

Some other facts about Bhutan:

1.     Rather than having a democracy like other countries it still has a constitutional monarchy with its capital Thimphu.
2.     The official language is Dzongkha.
3.     Bhutan has free healthcare and education
4.     The king of Bhutan is Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, who recently visited Ayodhya Ram temple.

Countries Working Toward Zero-Carbon Goals

Like Bhutan, Suriname is the other country which has achieved carbon negative status. Finland is targeting 2025 to become zero-carbon action and Norway is targeting to be a zero-carbon country by 2030. If all nations are striving hard India should also learn and start measuring in the view point of walking towards zero-carbon path. 

FAQs : Carbon Neutral Nation of the World-Bhutan

What does carbon neutral mean?

Carbon neutral means a country balances the amount of carbon it produces with the amount it absorbs. In Bhutan’s case, its huge forests absorb more carbon than the country produces.

Why is Bhutan considered the only carbon-neutral country in the world?

Bhutan maintains over 70% forest cover, uses clean hydropower instead of fossil fuels, and controls tourism to protect the environment. As a result, it absorbs more carbon than it emits.

How does Bhutan produce electricity without causing pollution?

Bhutan uses hydroelectricity, which is made by using the force of falling water to generate clean power. This produces zero harmful gases.

What are Bhutan’s rules for tourists?

To protect nature, Bhutan requires tourists to:

• Get an entry permit

• Pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of Rs. 1200 per person per night

• Travel in Bhutan-registered vehicles with Bhutanese drivers

How does Bhutan stay so green?

The Constitution requires at least 60% of the land to remain forested. Also, Bhutan plants saplings for every child born, helping increase green cover.

Which countries are trying to become carbon-neutral?

Suriname is already carbon negative. Finland aims for zero-carbon by 2025 and Norway aims for 2030.

What is the role of India in Bhutan’s clean energy system?

India has helped Bhutan build major hydropower plants like Chukha, Tala, Kurichhu, Dagachhu, and Mangdechhu, and even funds some of them fully.

What is Bhutan’s main source of national revenue?

Bhutan earns about 40% of its revenue by selling clean hydropower electricity to India.

Who is the king of Bhutan?

Bhutan’s king is Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, who leads the country while preserving its environment and culture.

What is the capital and official language of Bhutan?

The capital is Thimphu, and the official language is Dzongkha.

Where can I buy the books?

You can buy the books at Bookosmia and Amazon.

Here are a few from Bookosmia’s shop:

Cloud 9 on the Himalayas

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Bookosmia

A Journey Through Dreams

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Bookosmia

How Magic Saved Us

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Bookosmia

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.

Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .

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