Bhutan, The Kingdom Of Gross National Happiness

Tag : travel, Bhutan

It is not surprising to see an age where economic development is more important to the country than environment conservation. The rampart development and destruction of the environment is a result to unexpected Global warming and climate change. Development is good for a country, but it should not come at a cost of environment.

Today, when every country is competing to build their economy and power, there is a country that leaves the competition and doesn’t care about what others think of them.

Bhutan, A country that cares about its citizens and ecology more than earning money.  A country that is rich in natural resources, putting it into good use by producing renewable energy from it. Bhutan is sandwiched between India and China. It is a majestic dragon kingdom which is known for its Monks, Monasteries, people and culture. Bhutan has set a perfect example of Sustainable development by inventing and following something called ‘Gross National Happiness’. It is like a heard of sheep’s going in a similar direction and then this little sheep called Bhutan, takes a different direction. It is an answer to the Gross Development Product.

So What Is Gross Development Happiness?

Gross development Happiness is a careful Balance of economic growth with social development, environment sustainability and cultural preservation. For the past three decades, Bhutan has given preference to wellbeing over material growth.

"GNH is an aspiration, a set of guiding principles through which we are navigating our path towards a sustainable and equitable society. We believe the world needs to do the same before it is too late." says Thakur Singh Powdyel, Bhutan's minister of education.

The country has pledged to remain carbon neutral. And to ensure that, it has made a provision which ensures that its country has a minimum of 60% of Forest cover. It has banned export logging. Bhutan is the only country in the world to make such a switch and now it is the world’s first country to become carbon negative.

I Thought It Was Carbon Neutral, What Is Carbon Negative?

Carbon dioxide, one of the prime contributors to the greenhouse gases is produced by humans and non renewal sources. Most countries produce far more carbon dioxide than they are able to absorb, which unfortunately makes its way to the atmosphere and affect the environment. But Bhutan stands apart from this problem. The condition of Bhutan’s environment quickly became a top priority in its political agenda, based on their GNH index model. Thanks to Bhutan’s massive tree cover, 72% of the country is still forested. This means that Bhutan absorbs over 6 million tons of carbon annually, while only producing 1.5 million tons. This makes it a proud carbon negative country.

But How Does It Help It To Become Carbon Negative?

Free hydroelectric power generated by Bhutan’s many rivers is provided to rural farmers in order to lessen their dependence on wood stoves for cooking. It has partnered with Nissan to provide the country with electric cars with the intention of eventually changing all vehicles to electric. By 2030 Bhutan plans to reach zero net greenhouse gas admission and to produce zero waste. Truly, this country is unique and it deserves to be visited and experienced at least once. All the other country should learn from Bhutan.

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