Greta Jimenez
Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it faces a range of environmental issues. Despite its strong commitment to conservation, Bhutan's natural resources are under threat from rapid modernisation, demographic shifts, and industrialisation. The country's biodiversity, a key feature of its environment, is at risk from human activity and climate change. Bhutan's environmental issues include traditional firewood collection, crop and flock protection, waste disposal, industrial pollution, wildlife conservation, and climate change. Air pollution, particularly in the capital city of Thimphu, is a growing concern, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) posing significant dangers to human health. Water and land use, noise pollution, and landfill availability are also pressing issues, impacting both rural and urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 779,000 |
| Carbon footprint | Carbon negative |
| Forest protection | 70% of forests protected |
| Environmental issues | Traditional: firewood collection, crop and flock protection, waste disposal |
| Modern: industrial pollution, wildlife conservation, climate change, land and water use | |
| Urban areas: landfill availability, air and noise pollution | |
| Thimphu's waste output | 51 tonnes daily |
| Thimphu's waste composition | 49% biodegradable organic waste, 25.3% paper, 13.7% plastics, 3.6% glass |
| Thimphu's landfill status | Landfill capacity met in 2002, leading to overflowing and illegal dumping |
| Air pollution sources | Cement plants, burning refuse due to lack of designated landfills |
| Air quality monitoring | Stations set up in Thimphu, Kanglung, Pasakha, and Rinchending |
| Biodiversity | Protected areas established in the 1960s, with significant expansion in 2008 |
| Renewable energy | Hydropower, with 70% exported to India |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution
The primary sources of air pollution in Bhutan are twofold, with both domestic and external factors contributing to the problem. Since 2006, a brown haze has been observed in the atmosphere, largely attributed to external sources of pollution from neighbouring India. This has had tangible impacts on Bhutan's agricultural sector, resulting in decreased crop output.
Domestically, Bhutan's four cement plants have been identified as major contributors to air pollution, with three of them operating without modern emission controls. In addition, traditional practices such as firewood collection and the burning of refuse in thromdes (urban areas) and smaller villages due to a lack of designated landfills have further exacerbated air pollution levels. The practice of burning refuse increases ambient air pollution and ground toxicity, and the enforcement of regulations has been criticised as lax by Bhutanese media.
Bhutan's rapid economic development and industrialisation have also put pressure on natural resources, including air quality. The urban thromde of Thimphu, the capital, has been at the forefront of these environmental issues. As of 2011, Thimphu produced approximately 51 tonnes of waste daily, with nearly half of it being biodegradable organic waste. The city's only designated dumping site, Memelakha Landfill, reached capacity in 2002, leading to overflowing and illegal dumping.
To address these challenges, the Bhutanese government has implemented several measures. The NEC has been actively monitoring air quality since 2011 in several locations, including Thimphu, Kanglung, Pasakha, and Rinchending. Additionally, the government has introduced initiatives such as the promotion of electric vehicles, the revision of vehicle emission standards, and improved wood stoves to combat air pollution. The National Environment Commission has also drafted a climate change policy, which is expected to help mitigate air pollution in the future.
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Water shortages
Climate change is a significant contributor to the water shortages in Bhutan. The drying up of water sources, reduced snowfall, and diminishing glaciers have impacted the availability of water during the winter season. The impact of climate change is felt most acutely in the agricultural sector, as 54-58% of the population in rural areas depends on farming for their livelihoods. During the monsoon season, the climatic impact is reversed, with frequent rainfalls leading to flash floods, landslides, and windstorms. These extreme weather events further highlight the importance of effective water management in Bhutan.
The increasing demand for water due to population growth, economic development, and lifestyle changes has also exacerbated the problem of water shortages. The expansion of cities like Thimphu and Phuentsholing has put pressure on water resources, and the RAA report estimates that about 34% of water is lost along distribution networks due to issues such as illegal tapping and water connection irregularities. Additionally, the prioritization of water allocation for hydropower has impacted the availability of water for other purposes, including irrigation, industries, and environmental needs.
To address these challenges, the Government of Bhutan has partnered with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund to develop adaptation plans and projects. One successful project, in collaboration with the Tarayana Foundation, an NGO, supported the construction of a climate-resilient water harvesting, storage, and distribution system in four districts: Pema Gatshel, Tsirang, Mongar, and Samtse. This project improved the water supply for over 1,000 households, benefiting women and children in particular, as they no longer had to spend time fetching water, leading to improved hygiene, education, and income-earning opportunities.
Bhutan has also prioritized long-term planning for climate change adaptation, with a focus on enhancing water security. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Project, launched in early 2019, aims to build a stronger evidence base for adaptation through comprehensive assessments, scenario-building, and the study of adaptation interventions. By preparing communities for a changing climate, Bhutan is taking proactive steps to address the water shortages and other climate-induced hazards it faces.
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Landfills and waste disposal
Waste management is a pressing issue in Bhutan, particularly in urban areas, due to the increasing amount of waste generated, its improper disposal, and the resulting pollution. The country's landfills are overflowing, and waste treatment, recovery, and recycling practices are minimal. As of 2019, Bhutan generated 172.16 metric tonnes of solid waste per day, with household waste accounting for 47.34% and commercial units contributing 39.09%. Urban households produce more waste, with an average of 0.7 kg per day compared to 0.4 kg in rural households. However, access to waste collection services is unevenly distributed, with 75% of urban households covered compared to only 15% in rural areas.
The capital city of Thimphu exemplifies the challenges of waste management in Bhutan. In 2011, Thimphu produced 51 tonnes of waste daily, a nearly threefold increase over the previous three years. The city's only designated dumping site, Memelakha Landfill, reached its capacity in 2002, leading to overflowing and illegal dumping. The local government's "polluters pay" policy failed to address the issue effectively.
To address the waste management crisis, Bhutan has implemented various policies and initiatives. The Waste Prevention and Management Regulation, which came into effect in April 2012, aims to minimize waste and establish monitoring authorities for effective implementation. This regulation prohibits individuals and organizations from disposing of waste unless specifically permitted and outlined by the regulation. It also mandates the segregation, collection, processing, transport, and disposal of waste to designated sites. The regulation assigns responsibilities to Thromde, including providing separate containers for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste, and conducting awareness programs.
Additionally, Bhutan has introduced the Waste Management Flagship Program, endorsed by the Royal Government of Bhutan in 2020. This program aims to achieve Zero Waste Bhutan by 2030, reversing the current trend of disposing of over 80% of waste in landfills to less than 20%. The program emphasizes source segregation, providing segregation bins to households, increasing waste collection facilities and drop-off centres, and promoting education and awareness about the consequences of unmanaged waste. The National Environment Commission (NEC) is the apex monitoring body responsible for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of these regulations.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Traditional practices, such as burning refuse due to a lack of designated landfills, and the improper management of hazardous household waste, contribute to air and ground toxicity. Bhutan's industrialization and economic activities have also increased solid waste management projects, further straining natural resources. The least financially and politically empowered segments of the population are often the most affected by these environmental issues.
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Noise pollution
As Bhutan has undergone economic development and urbanization, the issue of noise pollution has become more prominent. Accelerated economic activities since 2011 have put pressure on natural resources, and development activities have led to increased industrialization, mining, and urbanization. These factors have contributed to the rise in noise pollution levels.
The least financially and politically empowered segments of the population are often the most affected by environmental issues, including noise pollution. This disparity is evident in Bhutan, where the urban thromde of Thimphu, with its relatively high population and powerful local government, has been at the forefront of urban environmental issues.
To address noise pollution, Bhutan has likely taken steps to regulate and manage noise levels. These measures may include setting noise limits, implementing noise control technologies, and promoting public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the impacts of noise pollution and ways to mitigate it.
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Climate change
Bhutan has five main types of pollution: air, water, soil, noise, and waste pollution. Climate change intensifies and exacerbates these pollution problems. For example, melting glaciers due to rising temperatures contribute to water pollution and disrupt water supplies for hydropower, affecting both industry and agriculture. Additionally, the changing climate causes shifts in the timing and amount of rainfall, leading to soil erosion and affecting agricultural productivity.
The country's geographical location and topography make it susceptible to climate change impacts, including glacial melting, changing rainfall patterns, and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Bhutan has already experienced significant environmental and socio-economic impacts due to climate change, and these are expected to worsen in the future. For example, the glacial melt and changing rainfall patterns impact water availability and quality, increasing the risk of water scarcity and flooding.
To address these challenges, Bhutan has demonstrated leadership and innovation in its approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The country has committed to remaining carbon neutral, and it has set ambitious targets for renewable energy development and forest conservation. Bhutan has also implemented various adaptation measures, such as glacial lake drainage systems to mitigate the risks of glacial lake outburst floods and sustainable land management practices to reduce soil erosion and increase climate resilience in the agricultural sector.
International cooperation and partnerships are vital for Bhutan to effectively address climate change. The country has actively engaged in global climate change negotiations and has sought support from international organizations and development partners for capacity building, technology transfer, and financing for climate change initiatives. Bhutan's unique perspective on "Gross National Happiness," which prioritizes sustainable development and well-being, has also gained international recognition and influenced global discussions on climate change and the need for a more holistic approach to progress and development.
In conclusion, climate change is an urgent threat to Bhutan, and the country serves as an important case study for understanding the complex interplay between environmental, social, and economic dimensions of this global challenge. Bhutan's commitment to addressing climate change, through mitigation, adaptation, and a holistic development framework, offers valuable insights and inspiration for other countries facing similar challenges. By continuing to prioritize sustainable practices and collaborating with the international community, Bhutan can further enhance its resilience and work towards a greener and more prosperous future, even in the face of a changing climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Bhutan has experienced a range of pollution issues, including air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and waste disposal problems.
Air pollution in Bhutan is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, the burning of firewood and agricultural debris, and transboundary sources from neighbouring countries such as India.
Bhutan has implemented various measures to tackle pollution, including revising vehicle emission standards, promoting electric vehicles, encouraging the use of improved wood stoves, and establishing protected areas to conserve biodiversity. The country has also set up stations to monitor air quality in several cities and implemented policies to curb pollution, such as prohibiting landfills and dumping in certain areas.
