In your essay, discuss the role of society and good governance in protecting and sustaining the
environment and mitigating climate change.
Bhutan is a small country located between two of the most populous countries on Earth: India
and China. It is famed for its stunning valleys, lush forests, colorful culture, and extravagant temples
nestled in mountainous terrains. However, this country has something more to boast for: it is carbon
negative.
In a ted talk by Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, he describes how Bhutan centers
its government and political decisions on Gross National Happiness (GNH) index instead of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) to measure progress. This philosophy was first coined by the 4th King of Bhutan, King Jigme
Singye Wangchuck in an attempt to balance economic growth with social development, environmental
sustainability, and cultural preservation. Despite having one of the smallest economies in the world with
only two billion dollars, Bhutan made an ambitious pledge in 2009 during Conference of Parties (COP-15)
that they remain carbon neutral for all times. The country did this by providing farmers free electricity to
limit use of firewood, investing in sustainable transport and subsidizing purchase of electric vehicles,
exporting green electrical power to other countries, and by mobilizing national programs such as Clean
Bhutan and Green Bhutan. The core of the carbon-neutral promise lies on its protected areas which serves
as the country’s carbon sink. The country is in 72% forest cover, and will remain 60% in forest cover for all
time.
Bhutan is an epitome of how good governance can play a pivotal role in sustaining the
environment and mitigating climate change. Government-led initiatives can organize projects in a national
scale and implement laws, policies, and regulations that protect the environment. In addition,
government officials whose environmental advocacies are at the forefront of their campaign can prioritize
and provide immediate action on environmental issues in the country as well as climate change. Just like
in Bhutan, competent leaders formulate strategies that balance economic development with conservation
of natural resources and participate in international agreements that help reform systems. With a unifying
concept, the government can also empower societies by raising public awareness, facilitating access to
information on environmental matters, and enhancing the participation of vulnerable communities in the
decision-making process. With support from the government, people can finally realize the true costs of
pollution and unsustainable lifestyle thereby motivating them to make change. Leaders in a clean
government will seek climate justice and invest in a sustainable future.
A good governance is responsive to the present and future needs of the society, including threats
from climate change and further catastrophic natural events. If Bhutan, a small country with a small
economy can do it, we can too.