Author: Dotu

Kuensel | YK Poudel | December 6, 2023

… eight pledges and declarations receive support, three more coming

Dubai, UAE—In a show of global solidarity governments, businesses, investors and philanthropies have announced over USD 57 billion across the climate agenda in the first four days of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai. 

Bhutan has endorsed five declarations that concern the nation ranging from sustainable agriculture to health and renewable energy, among others. 

The United Arab Estates (UAE) is leading a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.  

After an agreement to operationalise a fund for climate impact response on day one, announcements have come in across the entire climate agenda, including on finance, health, food, nature, and energy. 

Bhutan has endorsed the declarations on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action—which will be launched later this week for discussion on its implementation.

Moreover, Bhutan endorsed the declaration on climate and health launched yesterday. It is a commitment to meet and collaborate on plans and policies, health sectors, curbing the climate-induced impacts and reducing emissions among others.

A global cooling pledge which Bhutan has endorsed was also launched yesterday. 

The declaration on global renewables and energy efficiency pledge. The endorsement agreed by 116 countries as of yesterday is towards worldwide installed renewable energy generation capacity of at least 11,000 gigawatts. 

The fifth declaration is a coalition for high-ambition multi-level partnerships launched on December 2. The pledge is to collaborate among governments on climate strategies, maximization of efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees and enhance adaptation measures.  

However, Bhutan did not receive any information on peace and climate finance declarations. 

At a global scale, under the COP28 Presidency, the UAE has launched a US dollar 30 billion catalytic fund on climate finance, with an emphasis on unlocking private finance across the Global South. The country has also announced US dollar 200 million for SDRs and US dollar 150 million for water security. 

In addition, the World Bank has announced an increase of US dollar 9 billion annually to finance climate-related projects. And, in the first 48 hours of COP28, after a response to loss and damage was operationalized, US dollar 725 million has already been pledged. 

Further, US dollar 3.5 billion has been announced to replenish the Green Climate Fund, US dollar 2.7 billion has been pledged for health, US dollar 2.6 billion committed for food systems transformation, US dollar 2.6 billion pledged to protect nature, US dollar 467 million announced for urban climate action, and US dollar 1.2 billion for relief, recovery and peace. 

On energy, US dollar 2.5 billion was mobilized for renewables and US dollar 1.2 billion for methane emission reduction. US dollar 568 million was pledged to drive investments in clean energy manufacturing. 

Eight new declarations have been announced that will help transform every major system of the global economy. 

These include the first-ever declarations on food systems transformation and health, plus declarations on renewable energy and efficiency, as well as initiatives to decarbonise heavy-emitting industries. 

Three additional declarations will be announced in the coming days on hydrogen, cooling, and gender. The number of countries supporting these declarations and pledges is growing and demonstrates an unprecedented level of inclusivity at this COP. 

Over 100 countries in each sector have endorsed the pledges and declarations thus far.

The breakdown of financial pledges and contributions so far shows that US dollar 725 million has been endorsed for Loss and Damage, US dollar 3.2 billion for Green Climate Fund, 2.5 billion towards renewable energy, US dollar 568 million for technology, US dollar 1.2 billion for methane management and over US dollar30 billion for climate finance. 

Moreover, the countries endorsed USD 2.6 billion for food, USD 2.6 billion for nature, USD 2.7 billion for health, USD 150 million for water, USD 1.2 billion for relief, recovery and peace, and USD 467 million for local climate action. 

COP28 President, Dr Al Jaber, during a presidency press conference, announced that his office was the first to actively call on parties to come forward will a discussion on fossil fuel, centered around science and its call to action. 

“The goal of COP28 Presidency is to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach,” he said. 

To meet the goal, the world must get to net zero emissions by 2050, and reduce emissions by 43 percent by 2030.

Kuensel | YK Poudel | December 6, 2023

… with high-integrity environmental benefits

Dubai, UAE—To meet Bhutan’s move towards exploring innovative financing solutions to support climate-resilient development, Bhutan and the World Bank launched the Bhutan Climate Fund (BCF) on December 4. 

It was a part of the Bhutan Pavilion’s series of sessions at the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai.

It aims to ensure transparency and accountability of the authorisation and transfer process of Bhutan’s carbon credits—to ensure that communities benefit from carbon revenues, the BCF will link with the National Digital Identity. 

The BCF is a first of its kind that will aggregate and monetize Bhutan’s high-integrity net negative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a fair price, reflecting the opportunity cost of Bhutan’s remaining net negative.

According to officials from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the BCF will pool capital from donor contributions, help in addressing the high costs of ERCs through aggregation, a medium for adjusting fees to cover the opportunity cost for remaining net negative and help the government meet the sustainable development goal.

Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-negative country committed to remaining carbon neutral, keeping its total emissions below the carbon removal capacity of its forests through its 69.5 percent forest cover. 

The country’s rivers generate low-carbon electricity and in addition to its electricity consumption are entirely powered by renewable resources. Bhutan contributes to regional decarbonization by exporting run-of-river hydroelectricity. With an initial focus on the hydropower and forestry sectors, the Fund will build on the country’s Kyoto Protocol experience, robust and transparent infrastructure systems, and strong political commitment, including the Carbon Market Rules approved in 2023.

The BCF’s initial capitalisation goal is USD 50 million. The initial focus will be the run-of-the-river hydropower and forestry sectors. The government will develop infrastructure to participate in carbon markets. 

After that process, the plan is towards mitigation outcomes generation with a share of proceed plans to citizens in place. 

Some of the key highlights of the programme are renewable energy projects, forestry sector nature-based mitigation activities and energy efficiency—195 activities in 7 priority sectors in the national adaptation plan with 22 mitigation activities in place.

The investments are aimed at leveraging the championship of a carbon-negative country. An opportunity to support low-carbon development for one of the handful of carbon-negative countries in the world, strong political commitment to carbon neutrality, access to high-quality forest and hydropower credits, and bigger impacts of aggregating capital and managing the use of carbon revenue.

Kuensel | YK Poudel | December 5, 2023

Dubai- Bhutan, in conjunction with 122 other nations, endorsed the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health on December 3, committing to a promised funding window of one billion.

The commitment was made public during the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) by President Sultan al-Jaber, preceding the inaugural Health Day at the UN Climate Conference.

The declaration signifies a dedication to meet and collaborate on policies, health systems, and responses to the impacts of climate change, including efforts to curb emissions and reduce waste.

This marks a significant milestone as it is the world’s first government acknowledgment of the escalating health impacts of climate change on countries and communities at the ground level.

The public can anticipate increased investments and benefits from enhanced climate actions, reduced air pollution, and lower healthcare costs as a result of this declaration.

Member states emphasised the importance of addressing the interactions between climate change and human health within the framework of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, key international platforms for the global response to climate change.

According to the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, in light of the first Global Stocktake and lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, the nations are committed to advancing climate-resilient development, strengthening health systems, and building resilient communities for the benefit of present and future generations.

To achieve better health outcomes, the declaring countries commit to transforming health systems to be climate-resilient, low-carbon, sustainable, and equitable. This includes better preparation for the impacts of climate change on communities and the most vulnerable populations.

The commitment also involves pursuing common objectives such as strengthening the development and implementation of policies maximising health gains from mitigation and adaptation actions, collaborating on human, animal, environment, and climate health challenges, and improving the ability of health systems to anticipate and implement adaptation interventions against climate-sensitive diseases and health risks.

Additionally, the countries agreed to promote steps to curb emissions and reduce waste in the health sector, including assessing greenhouse gas emissions, developing action plans, setting decarbonisation targets, and establishing procurement standards for national health systems.

Recognising the challenges faced by the health sector in accessing finance for health and climate change activities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the countries aim to leverage synergies at the intersection of climate change and health to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of finance flows.

To achieve these goals, the countries commit to better-integrating health considerations into climate policy processes and vice versa, including relevant Paris Agreement and UNFCCC processes, the design of nationally determined contributions, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, national adaptation plans, and adaptation communications.

Kuensel | Editorial | December 5, 2023

Bhutan has long been a beacon of environmental stewardship. The nation not only treads lightly on its sacred soil, but also actively contributes to the planet’s well-being by maintaining a carbon-neutral status.

Against this backdrop, the billion-dollar commitment echoes the global recognition that even those countries with an admirable ecological footprint, like Bhutan, are not immune to the health reverberations of our changing climate.

This is a new beginning in the saga of UN Climate Change Conference, This isn’t just about finances; it’s about a symphony of nations acknowledging the intricate relationship between climate and health.

Bhutan, often seen as a sustainability trailblazer, now stands shoulder to shoulder with nations facing similar challenges, proving that in the grand orchestra of global affairs, every instrument, no matter how small, plays a crucial role.

For Bhutan, the pledge presents an opportunity for collaboration and shared learning. This tiny Himalayan kingdom, known for its unique development philosophy, can share its journey toward carbon neutrality and, in turn, absorb the experiences of others. Bhutan’s model of prioritising Gross National Happiness alongside environmental conservation could offer a beacon of hope for those navigating the uncharted waters of climate health initiatives.

This has been the message have been trying pass for so many COP ago.

As the pledge unfolds, Bhutan’s commitment to mitigating the health impacts of climate change becomes even more critical.

While Bhutan has successfully kept its carbon emissions in check, the pledge emphasises the importance of adaptation. Our health systems need to be resilient in the face of emerging challenges, from the spread of diseases influenced by climate patterns to the impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities.

One can’t help but ponder the ways in which Bhutan’s landscape, adorned with monasteries and prayer flags, is not just a sanctuary for the soul but a living testament to the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

The global collaborative effort mirrored in the pledge resonates with Bhutan’s ethos of unity and shared responsibility. In the tapestry of international relations, Bhutan, with its commitment to carbon neutrality, weaves a vibrant thread advocating for the harmonious coexistence of nations and the planet.

As we scrutinise the pledge’s potential impact on Bhutan, it is crucial to consider the nation’s challenges. This is important.

The pledge may open avenues for financial support, but how will these resources be judiciously utilised to enhance our healthcare infrastructure, address health challenges specific to our unique terrain, and further embed sustainable practices into the fabric of our society?

This is just one question, there are many.

Bhutan’s participation in this global initiative reinforces our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond the carbon-neutral badge of honour, Bhutan strives to be a torchbearer for holistic development, where the well-being of the people is intricately tied to environmental sustainability.

The road ahead, filled with excitement and prosperity, beckons us. However, it also signifies that much work remains.

What Bhutan could contribute at COP28 is a huge achievement. And this is a big statement. It is a story, and a plea, of a world in the throes of extinction.

Kuensel | YK Poudel | December 5, 2023

… the registry was launched with World Bank and Singaporean support

With the launch of Bhutan’s National Carbon Registry yesterday, the country can now collaborate with the World Bank climate warehouse.

The registry was unveiled at the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), attended by officials from the World Bank, Singapore, and the government of Bhutan.

Bhutan has now integrated with the Climate Action Data Trust (CAD Trust) meta-data layer—a decentralized, blockchain platform developed by the World Bank, International Emissions Trading Association, and Singapore in December 2022.

Bhutan signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and ratified it in 2017.

Aligning with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), with support from Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), generated a national registry responsible for utilizing an electronic registry that complies with the orientation for unit identification and tracking of carbon.

Associate Analyst, DHI, Zeerie Chhodoen, said that the registry is capable of facilitating the transfer of unit ownership or holdings and transparently identifying units of carbon status, including issuance and cancellation status. “The registry leverages a common data model to aggregate and harmonize data from country registries.”

“The system employs AI and blockchain technology that will foster capacity building and experiential learning between various sectors, ensuring bottom-up ownership,” she said.

The registry, according to her, will help Bhutan avail the opportunities of global carbon markets. The registry aims to raise environmental ambition, build capacity and climate resilience while contributing to global efforts in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Bhutan seeks to promote sustainable practices and low-carbon solutions by exploring the development of carbon markets and generating carbon credits.

Moreover, the plan is to have accurate carbon tracking, accounting, and reporting of emission reduction units—harnessing carbon finance is one of the aims to advance the country’s climate mitigation strategies and objectives.

Carbon Markets Rules for the Kingdom of Bhutan 2023 state that any entity wishing to participate in carbon markets should seek a Letter of Authorisation from the DECC regarding a mitigation outcome activity carried out within Bhutan and validated or verified using the procedures set out by the National Environment Commission Secretariat.

As a legislative compliance policy with all relevant national laws and international legal instruments in force in Bhutan, the National Environment Protection Act 2007, Climate Change Policy 2020, and The Paris Agreement are the guiding policies towards the carbon registry.

Kuensel | YK Poudel | December 4, 2023

Dubai, UAE—Bhutan, Panama, and Suriname, the first carbon-negative countries globally, advocate for climate finance, emissions reduction, and increased international co-operation to achieve sustainable development goals.

The session titled “Lessons from Carbon Negative Countries: Keeping the Ambition Alive” on December 2 at the Bhutan Pavilion in the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) discussed the achievements of Bhutan, Panama and Suriname as the pioneers in carbon negativity, setting a path for others to follow.

Addressing the unprecedented climate crisis, Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Head of the Bhutanese Delegation at COP28, highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation, maintaining 69.5 percent forest coverage. 

“Countries with low emissions of carbon are also facing the brunt of climate change—the issue must be addressed globally,” Dasho Chhewang said.

He emphasised the challenges faced by economically challenged Bhutan in adequately investing in adaptation and mitigation efforts due to the global impact of climate change.

Dr Ligia Castro de Doens, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment of Panama, outlined Panama’s measures towards carbon neutrality, with 68 percent of the country under forest cover.She called for regional and international cooperation to achieve climate goals, emphasizing collaboration between governments, countries, and companies.

“Adequate national level projects are in place—the world now needs regional and international co-operation is a call to action. Achieving the climate goals agreed in Paris depends on new levels of collaboration between government, and between countries and companies, to drive down emissions, and to protect everyone on earth with an effective early warning system by 2027,” she said.

Minister of Spatial Planning and the Environment in Suriname, Marciano Dasai, presented Suriname’s carbon-negative status and the existing forest density, presenting opportunities for the carbon market. 

Dasai stressed the need for a just transition from fossil fuels to renewables, emphasizing Suriname’s commitment to zero deforestation by 2030. “The impact is real and happening. We must preserve the limit of 1.5 degrees of heating, as set out in the Paris Agreement, to avert the worst of climate chaos. Till now, we have not met the promise,” he said.

While Suriname has strict forest protection laws and policies, Dasai acknowledged the vulnerability to climate change, calling for increased global co-operation in nature conservation efforts and reduction in carbon emissions.

The three countries collectively called for enhanced contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and emphasised the importance of international collaboration to address climate change challenges faced by low-emission countries.