In a groundbreaking move at the COP29 climate summit held in Baku, Bhutan has emerged as a pivotal force in the global fight against climate change by co-founding the G-ZERO initiative. Launched yesterday, G-ZERO unites four of the world’s few carbon-negative and carbon-neutral nations—Bhutan, Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname—in a concerted effort to accelerate worldwide climate action.
The G-ZERO coalition represents a beacon of hope amidst escalating global greenhouse gas emissions. Each founding member has demonstrated exceptional commitment to reducing emissions while fostering sustainable development, striking a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the visionary behind the coalition, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative during the launch event. “The launch of G-ZERO is a historic milestone and a testament to the strength of global partnerships,” he stated. “In the pre-industrial era, all nations had negative carbon footprints. Today, only a few of us remain carbon-neutral or negative. G-ZERO embodies the possibility of economic growth coexisting with environmental sustainability.”
G-ZERO’s mission is clear: to prove that carbon neutrality is not only achievable but imperative for the planet’s future. The initiative seeks to amplify climate action and foster enhanced international collaboration, particularly bridging the gap between developing and developed nations. By aligning with the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Pact for the Future, G-ZERO advocates for ambitious emission reductions in line with the 1.5-degree Celsius target by 2035.
“The success we have achieved is not accidental,” Prime Minister Tobgay emphasized. “It is the result of deliberate choices to conserve our natural resources. We call upon larger economies to recognize that smaller nations can set powerful examples of environmental stewardship. G-ZERO demonstrates that what we have achieved on a smaller scale is within reach for others as well.”
Despite their minimal contributions to global emissions, the G-ZERO countries face severe repercussions from climate change, including biodiversity loss and more frequent natural disasters. Leaders within the coalition have underscored the urgent need for adequate financial support to mitigate these impacts and adapt to evolving environmental challenges.
Beyond advocacy, G-ZERO is committed to fostering mutual support among its members through the exchange of policy solutions, technical expertise, and sustainable strategies. The coalition is calling for increased global funding for climate initiatives, technology transfer, and inclusive policies that empower developing nations and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The launch event saw participation from high-level representatives of key international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the UN Secretary-General’s Office, Global Environment Facility, and Planet Labs, among others. This diverse support underscores the global community’s recognition of G-ZERO’s potential to drive meaningful climate progress.
Operating with a rotating presidency and a permanent Secretariat based in Bhutan, the G-ZERO initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of international climate policy. Bhutan’s leadership role in this coalition not only highlights its longstanding commitment to environmental preservation but also reinforces its position as a leader in sustainable development.
As G-ZERO extends an open invitation to other nations to join the coalition, Bhutan sets a powerful example of how dedicated, smaller nations can spearhead global efforts towards a carbon-neutral future. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of a sustainable and resilient planet for future generations.
For Bhutan, the establishment of G-ZERO is more than a diplomatic achievement—it is a reaffirmation of its national values and a commitment to safeguarding the environment. As the world watches the developments from Baku, Bhutan stands at the forefront, championing a cause that transcends borders and unites nations in the shared mission to combat climate change.
