ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF BHUTAN

SHERUBTSE COLLEGE

Name: Kinzang Dorji Enrollment No: 07200042

Program: B.Sc. Environmental Science Semester: 5th Module: EMT303
Assignment No: 1 Due date: 09/10/23 Submission date: 09/10/23
Submitted to: Mrs. Karma Yangzom

I have read and understood the definition of academic dishonesty as given in the Wheel of
Academic Law, RUB. I hereby declare that this assignment is written in my own words, and the
reading materials referred to in the text have been duly acknowledged. I understand that if found
otherwise, my assignment is likely to be canceled.

Signature of Student

Assignment Topic (Attach the question paper if this space is not enough)
Climate Change in Bhutan: Current mitigation actions and future suggestions to combat climate
change
Comments: marks
Max.

awarded
Marks
Criteria for Marking

1. General 2

2. Language 2

3. Content 9

4. Organization 3

5. Originality 2

6. References 2

Total Marks 20
Signature of Module Tutor
Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................................................................1

Current Mitigation Actions.............................................................................................................2

Future suggestions........................................................................................................................3

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................4

References....................................................................................................................................5
CLIMATE CHANGE IN BHUTAN: CURRENT MITIGATION…

Introduction
Climate change has become a commonly discussed issue among our generation, and its effects
are not limited to a single country but are impacting the entire human civilization. The Himalayas
are seeing rapid climate change, which is affecting nations like Bhutan whose socioeconomic
well-being is closely linked to climate-sensitive industries (Chhogyel & Kumar, 2018). According
to International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development [ICIMOD], six climate sensitive
areas were identified in Bhutan; water resources, agriculture, forest and biodiversity, glacial lake
outbursts, landslides and human health (BMCI & ICIMOD, 2016). Extreme weather events and
climate-related risks such as landslides, wildfires, glacial lake outbursts, and flash floods
events have increased in Bhutan recently (Hoy et al., 2016). For instance, agricultural
production in Bhutan is threatened by climate change which in turn, affects the lives of
individuals (Chhogyel, Kumar, & Bajgai, 2020). According to research conducted by Chhogyel et
al. (2020), the drying up of irrigation sources and crop losses due to weather events were the
most significant effects of climate change on agriculture. The survey conducted from March to
May 2019 in six districts of Bhutan on the opinions of farmer on climate change and its effects
on agricultural productivity concluded that the farmers of Bhutan were aware and shared their
varying opinions on climate change(Chhogyel et al., 2020).
The effects of climate change on biological variety are already being felt at the ecosystem level
through modifications in factors like as distribution, composition, function, successional process,
community dynamics, values, and services. A study was conducted to determine impact of
climate change on distribution of key tree species and cordyceps in Bhutan found out that,
timber species such as Abies densa, Pinus wallichiana, Tsuga dumosa, species of fuelwood
namely Quercus spp., Betula spp., Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp., Rhododendron arboreum,
and an important non-timber resource Ophiocordyceps sinensis [cordyceps] distribution is most
likely to change due to climate change (Choden et al., 2021). Furthermore, the study concluded
that Ophiocordyceps sinensis and timber species like Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa are to be
decline by 79% as a result of climate change (Choden et al., 2021).
Hydropower serves as one of the major energy source and a leading contributor to the economy
sector accounting for 15.4% of total GDP of the country (NSB, 2022). According to The Third
Pole, flash floods has become new normal in Bhutan and the country confronts numerous
challenges as a result of climate change, including cloudbursts during the monsoon, glacial
lakes breaking through in the summer, and a lack of water for hydropower the rest of the year
(2017). Furthermore, the glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate and Bhutan loses roughly
1,146.16 million tons of ice annually (Dema, 2022).
As a result of climate change, Bhutan is had become more vulnerable to an
increase occurrence of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. The threat of the Zika virus in
Bhutan is said to be increasing in significantly due to climate change (Asian Development Bank,
2021). The insects, pests, and vectors have been moving north across the nation. In Lunana,
which is about 4000 meters above sea level, mosquitoes have now been spotted despite the
retreat of the snow cover (Chezom, 2020). Dengue was detected in 38 newly impacted sub-
districts in an examination of the dengue epidemic from April to December 2019 with 5935
confirmed cases in 19 of the 20 districts (Dorji & Lucero-Prisno, 2022). This assignment will
focus on some current actions taken against climate change impact and the future suggestion.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN BHUTAN: CURRENT MITIGATION…

Current Mitigation Actions

Bhutan's 69.71% coverage of forests(FMID, 2023), of which 51.32 percent are protected areas
and biological corridors that act as carbon sinks and rich reservoirs of biodiversity, is the
country's most significant contribution to local, regional, and international efforts to mitigate the
effects of climate change ( Dorji, 2016). Bhutan is committed to upholding the highest standards
of environmental protection, and the greenhouse gas emission of the country is around three
times lower than the carbon that is stored in by the forests. Bhutan, during its 73rd National
Assembly session in 1995, officially adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change [UNFCCC] after acknowledging the significance of the issues brought on by
climate change.(NEC, 2015). In September 2015, Bhutan submitted its first Nationally
Determined Contribution, which focuses on reducing GHG emissions through sectoral
measures such as sustainable forest management, promotion of low carbon system and
minimizing GHG emission through zero waste concept (Ministry of Energy and Natural
Resources, 2023). In order to address and adapt to climate change, Bhutan launched the
National Adaptation Programme of Action [NAPA] in 2006. NAPA works toward a variety of
goals, including identifying immediate -response initiatives that helps communities adapt and
include climate change decisions in the national planning procedures (NEC, 2015). Bhutan has
set aside natural resources for reducing and adapting to climate change. According to NAPA
reports, from 2008 to 2013, about 2% of public spending went toward addressing climate
change. 39% of the nation's overall funding for addressing climate change in 2012–2013 was
from the country only, while 61% came from outside sources(NEC, 2016).
In 2009 at the 15th session of UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties [UNCOP15]
held in Copenhagen, Bhutan promised to remain carbon neutral for all time to come. Bhutan has
also created a Climate Change Strategy that aims to maintain carbon neutrality for the nation,
successfully adapt to climate change, encourage meaningful stakeholder engagement in climate
action, and make sure that opportunities and concerns are addressed at all relevant levels
(NECS, 2020). Moreover, Bhutan was also among the 16 least developed nations to
successfully launch a major climate adaptation strategy on September 16, 2023, with the launch
of its First National Adaptation Plan[NAP] (UNDP, 2023). The NAP process will help countries to
embed adaptation in core development decision making to make people, places, ecosystems
and economics more resilient to climate shocks.
National Greenhouse Gas inventory was conducted from year 2016 to 2020. The inventory is
created in accordance with the BUR Guidelines for Non-Annex I countries and paragraphs 8–24
of the Annex to Decision 17/CP.8 of UNFCCC which are intended for reporting of National
Communications (NC) from Non-Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC. This inventory lists probable
sources and sinks of GHGs and gives estimations of the main GHGs produced from different
sector and moreover, it gives mitigation actions and their effects. It constitute a major part of
Bhutan’s National Communication to the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change (NEC, 2022). The National Assembly of Bhutan has a standing
committee on the environment and climate change, which examines current legislation and
suggests new ones in light of the significance of climate change(NAB, n.d.). The Parliament is
making efforts to become more environmentally friendly with practices such as not using plastic
water bottles and working toward paperless operations. The rules of procedure for the
Parliament were changed in 2021 to permit electronic devices used for legislative business
within the chamber and the Houses now share all of the materials electronically(Inter-
Parliamentary Union, 2023).

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN BHUTAN: CURRENT MITIGATION…

Furthermore, the snowman race was initiated on a Royal command. The Snowman Race is the
ultimate race for climate action covering more than 203 km through the wild and challenging
terrains with mountains passes as high as 5470m to help raise awareness of the impacts of the
climate and the rapid melting of highland glacier (Kuensel, 2022). Similarly in terms of
agriculture, farmers are embracing sustainable and climate change resistant practices by using
early maturing, pest and disease resistant, and drought tolerance types of vegetables and
crops. In places that are vulnerable to climate change and geologically challenging land,
sustainable land management [SLM] is applied, which includes practices such as contour
bonding, terracing, and hedgerow plantation s (Tenzin et al., 2019).

Future suggestions
Although the effects of climate change are severe, Bhutan is still unfamiliar with the idea of
climate change as more than 33.4% of the country's adult population is illiterate (NSB, 2018). In
addition, most individuals are unaware of the causes, consequences, and even solutions to the
issue of climate change. Bhutan can therefore further adapt to and mitigate climate change by
educating and advocating for those who are least aware of it in their native language for the
understanding of illiterate population.
Although the fact that laws and regulations have been put in place to tackle climate change, the
majority of people are unaware of them. Catalogs and visual books about climate change
policies and impacts should be available so that illiterate person can refer to them and
understand it better. For instance, an ICT campaign against climate change in the Pacific was
carried out using social media. Climate change efforts in the Pacific that used ICT displayed
Pacific Islanders as fighters rather than victims. This new visual imagery demonstrates Pacific
Islanders efforts to mitigate climate change while also attempting to provide them greater
control, this was found useful in awareness among the general public (Rai et al., 2022). Various
environment related Civil Society Organizations [CSO] and relevant government agency in
Bhutan can use popular social media platforms and digital media to depict the story of climate
change and advocate for every person of all ages and literacy.
Hydropower sector in Bhutan is very climate-sensitive as the rivers are sourced by both rain and
glaciers. Change in a climate or the weather pattern can cause a serious impact downstream.
Therefore, more Automatic meteorological stations [AWS], Automatic water level system
[AWLS] and Early warning system [EWS]should be established so that more
accurate information about a specific weather pattern and discharge level may be obtained. This
would make provide more precise result making it easier for people to accurately plan for Dam
water release system and climate-related disasters like landslides and floods from glacial lake
outbursts which could cause an enormous damage to lives and properties downstream.
The pristine nature and air quality of Bhutan must be preserved through continued and
collaborative efforts. To create programs that would lessen the effects of climate change on the
Himalayas, more work needs to be done in collaboration with neighbors like China, India,
Bangladesh, and Nepal(NECS, 2020). Bhutan has to act immediately to stop vehicular pollution,
establish regulated tourism initiatives, and make good use of its water resources. Government
and private sectors should focus more on the implementing the climate-smart agriculture, eco-
friendly technologies, proper planning of infrastructures and creating awareness.
Nature-based solutions, according to WWF, are ecosystem conservation, management, and/or
restoration initiatives that are purposefully planned to deliver measurable advantageous climate

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adaptation and/or mitigation benefits with human development and biodiversity co-benefits
managing anticipated climate risks to nature that can undermine their long-term effectiveness.
Bhutan should focus on nature-based solution to curb the impacts of climate change. Bhutan
should also implement five principles of nature-based solution proposed by WWF. The first
principle states that there should be result in improved ecosystem functionality and climate
ambition. Instead of making up for lack of ambition in other areas, nature-based solutions
promote climate change adaptation and/or mitigation, ensuring that necessary improvements in
the energy, food, urban, and infrastructure sectors support one another. Enhancing ecosystem
functionality requires evaluating how climate change may affect the environment and adopting
steps to better manage these risks. Secondly, it should be science-based that employs the
finest climate, biological, and social sciences currently available to develop realistic, quantifiable
goals. Thirdly, helping to minimize emissions, avoid them, and/or lessen human vulnerability
while protecting the environment and making trade-offs with other social goals and avoiding
negative effects on biodiversity. Then, ensuring indigenous peoples and local stakeholders were
included in the co-design and co-implementation of the project as a strategy to better
understand their most pressing problems and to foster a sense of shared responsibility. Lastly ,
ensuring that it is measurable and traceable (World Wild Fund, 2020).

Conclusion
In conclusion, Bhutan must face the harsh realities of climate change, which is already having
an impact on a social, economic, and environmental aspect of the country. The Himalayan
region, which includes Bhutan, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
because of its fragile geology and reliance on sectors like agriculture, hydropower, and wildlife
that are climate-sensitive. Bhutan has taken significant measures to mitigate climate change,
such as keeping a good forest cover and committing to be carbon neutral, however, there are
more actions to be taken. Bhutan should focus to improve meteorological infrastructure in order
to better detect and prepare for climate-related calamities like landslides and glacial lake
eruptions. As the climate has no boundary and does not affect the single country responsibly for
the change, regional cooperation can result in more practical solutions, cooperation with
neighboring nations in the Himalayan region is essential.
The use of nature-based solutions, as advocated by groups like WWF, presents Bhutan with a
promising way to both mitigate and adapt to climate change while preserving its distinctive
natural environment. To guarantee their efficacy, these solutions should be based on science,
incorporate local and indigenous knowledge, and be measurable. Bhutan's dedication to
environmental preservation and sustainable development is admirable, but the urgency of
climate change necessitates even more aggressive actions and creative solutions. Bhutan can
safeguard its priceless natural heritage and improve the well-being of its people for future
generations by continuing to address the difficulties brought on by climate change in a proactive
and cooperative manner.
The limitation of the assignment is that is briefly describes the impact, mitigation and future
implementation related to climate changed as the topic of climate change includes diverse
aspect. In future for better and in-depth study focus on a particular aspect and relate it with the
climate change.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN BHUTAN: CURRENT MITIGATION…

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