Bhutan PM: "We're Taking Care of Our People First"
The tiny Himalayan kingdom has been hailed as a climate leader, with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay telling the Guardian that environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth should be prioritized in wealthy countries. The country's approach is centered on the wellbeing of its people, rather than just GDP.
"We prioritize climate action, social progress, cultural preservation and environmental conservation because the happiness and wellbeing of our people and our future generations is at the center of our development agenda," Tobgay explained. "If we can do it, developed rich countries with a lot more resources and revenue can – and must – reduce their emissions and fight the climate crisis."
This approach has seen Bhutan achieve remarkable success in reducing its carbon footprint, despite being one of the poorest countries in Asia. The country aims to be carbon-negative, with 72% of its territory forested and sequestering around five times the amount of CO2 it emits.
"The developed world must do more to fulfill their moral and legal obligations," Tobgay said. "They must help the developing world adapt and reduce emissions by providing finance and resources and technology transfers, but most importantly, they must reduce their own emissions."
Tobgay emphasized that small countries like Bhutan are already making significant contributions to global climate action, and it's time for developed nations to take a leading role. The country is working to create a new model of sustainable development that prioritizes human wellbeing over GDP.
"In all the climate change discussions, the focus is on promises for the future, not on actual results," Tobgay said. "We want our contributions and foregone opportunities to be acknowledged and compensated."
Bhutan is set to host an inaugural summit next year to showcase and share climate solutions with the G-Zero countries, a group of emerging economies that are increasingly taking a leading role in global climate action.
The country's approach has been praised by climate activists and experts alike. "There's no excuse for larger countries not to play bigger roles," Tobgay said. "After all, they are the leaders of the world."
As the UN climate summit comes to a close, Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development serves as a powerful reminder that the wellbeing of people and the planet must be at the center of our global agenda.
The tiny Himalayan kingdom has been hailed as a climate leader, with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay telling the Guardian that environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth should be prioritized in wealthy countries. The country's approach is centered on the wellbeing of its people, rather than just GDP.
"We prioritize climate action, social progress, cultural preservation and environmental conservation because the happiness and wellbeing of our people and our future generations is at the center of our development agenda," Tobgay explained. "If we can do it, developed rich countries with a lot more resources and revenue can – and must – reduce their emissions and fight the climate crisis."
This approach has seen Bhutan achieve remarkable success in reducing its carbon footprint, despite being one of the poorest countries in Asia. The country aims to be carbon-negative, with 72% of its territory forested and sequestering around five times the amount of CO2 it emits.
"The developed world must do more to fulfill their moral and legal obligations," Tobgay said. "They must help the developing world adapt and reduce emissions by providing finance and resources and technology transfers, but most importantly, they must reduce their own emissions."
Tobgay emphasized that small countries like Bhutan are already making significant contributions to global climate action, and it's time for developed nations to take a leading role. The country is working to create a new model of sustainable development that prioritizes human wellbeing over GDP.
"In all the climate change discussions, the focus is on promises for the future, not on actual results," Tobgay said. "We want our contributions and foregone opportunities to be acknowledged and compensated."
Bhutan is set to host an inaugural summit next year to showcase and share climate solutions with the G-Zero countries, a group of emerging economies that are increasingly taking a leading role in global climate action.
The country's approach has been praised by climate activists and experts alike. "There's no excuse for larger countries not to play bigger roles," Tobgay said. "After all, they are the leaders of the world."
As the UN climate summit comes to a close, Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development serves as a powerful reminder that the wellbeing of people and the planet must be at the center of our global agenda.
! I mean, who needs all that money when you've got a happy population and a forest that's doing the carbon capture thing? They're like the ultimate eco-warriors, living proof that you don't need to be rich to save the planet. Plus, their approach is all about people over profit - isn't that what we should all be striving for? 
. They're not just talking about reducing their carbon footprint, they're actually doing it! 72% of their land is forested and they're sequestering like 5 times the CO2 they emit... that's crazy impressive 
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. They have so much more resources and revenue than poor countries like Bhutan, but instead of just focusing on GDP, they should be prioritizing the wellbeing of people and the planet too 
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. Their approach might not be perfect, but it's definitely a step in the right direction 
. And I love that they're hosting an inaugural summit next year to share their climate solutions with other countries... let's get them all working together towards a common goal 
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I'm loving this vibe, 72% forested territory is literally making Bhutan a carbon sink 
, then I think we should all take note! The whole GDP over wellbeing thing needs to change, we need to prioritize our people and the planet first 
. It's crazy to think that countries like Bhutan are already leading in climate action 
. According to the IPCC, carbon emissions from rich countries are responsible for 65% of global greenhouse gas emissions 
, so it's time for them to step up and take a leading role 
. Did you know that Bhutan has seen a 57% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2001? 
We need more leaders like PM Tobgay who are putting people and the planet first 
. Developed nations can't just promise to do more, they have to follow through with actual results 
.
. I mean, who needs GDP when you've got happiness and wellbeing? 
It's amazing that they're making a dent in carbon emissions too - 72% forested territory is huge for sequestering CO2 
Like, no more just talking about climate change all day. Bhutan's getting stuff done and that's what matters 
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. We should be working together as global citizens, supporting each other in this fight against climate change 
The fact that Bhutan is already doing so much with limited resources is a good reminder that we can do better as global leaders.
they're literally putting people over profit which is like a total game changer for the environment 
i mean we need more countries like this leading the way on climate action 
I think it's so cool how Bhutan is putting people first when it comes to economic growth 
. It's kinda refreshing to see a country that values its people over profits 
. We should be supporting each other instead of competing on who can grow the fastest 
. Plus, it's awesome to see a country taking a lead on climate action 
. Bhutan's approach might just be the key to a more sustainable future 
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! Just kidding, kind of. Seriously though, it's awesome to see a country prioritizing people over profits (and I mean that in the best way possible 
). They're like the cool cousins at climate change party, doing their own thing without all the drama 
. It's inspiring to see them achieving so much with minimal resources 
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. The fact that they're aiming to be carbon-negative is also super impressive