As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) enters its final days, Bhutan is emerging as a key player in global climate discussions. Leading the charge is Secretary Karma Tshering, head of the Bhutanese delegation, who has been actively engaged in numerous side events, plenary sessions, and pavilion presentations. His efforts are instrumental in spotlighting Bhutan’s unique climate narrative on the international stage.
Building on last year’s success at COP28, where informal negotiations paved the way for the inclusion of mountain ecosystems in the Global Stocktake (GST) and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), Bhutan is pushing the envelope further this year. Secretary Tshering has been a prominent figure in pivotal talks, including the high-level dialogue on advancing the mountain agenda organized by the Kyrgyz Republic, sessions at the Cryosphere Pavilion, and other critical discussions addressing the nation’s climate challenges.
During the mountain agenda dialogue, Tshering reaffirmed Bhutan’s steadfast support for mountain regions worldwide, aligning with countries like Kyrgyzstan and Nepal. “Mountain ecosystems face distinct and pressing challenges,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of sustained focus and collaborative efforts to protect these fragile environments and the communities that depend on them.
Highlighting Bhutan’s susceptibility to climate change, Tshering detailed the frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters that imperil mountain communities, such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslides. “With Bhutan’s recent graduation from least developed country status, securing financial support has become more challenging,” he explained. “We need stronger coordination among mountainous nations and more accessible climate financing with reduced reporting burdens.”
At the “Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia” event, Tshering outlined Bhutan’s strategic priorities for energy transition. The country boasts a 100% renewable electricity grid, predominantly powered by hydropower. However, rising emissions from sectors like transport and manufacturing pose new challenges. “While our electricity is carbon-negative, other sectors are contributing to emissions,” he noted. Tshering advocated for resilient energy grids capable of integrating intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind, and stressed the importance of advancing electric mobility to lessen fossil fuel dependency.
Energy security remains a critical concern, particularly during winter months when hydropower generation dips. Bhutan relies on imported fossil fuels to bridge this gap, and securing adequate funding for energy transition initiatives is a significant hurdle. “We urge multilateral development banks to increase support, helping us bridge the financing gap and fostering international cooperation for a global energy transition,” Tshering called for.
At the Cryosphere Pavilion and a side event with the Asian Development Bank, Tshering highlighted Bhutan’s hydropower challenges, particularly its dependence on run-off-water scheme plants affected by seasonal water variability. “We experience excess water during the summer monsoon and shortages in winter, which disrupt energy production,” he explained. Additionally, the rapid retreat of glaciers, some shrinking by up to 35 meters annually, heightens the risk of GLOFs.
To combat these issues, Bhutan is diversifying its energy portfolio with a target of 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2040—15 gigawatts from hydropower and 5 gigawatts from solar energy, requiring an investment of USD 26 billion. The country is also exploring reservoir-based hydropower systems and pumped storage to mitigate seasonal water fluctuations. Moreover, Bhutan is developing strategies to monitor glaciers, implement early warning systems for floods and GLOFs, and commemorate the International Year of Glacial Preservation in 2025.
Committed to maintaining its carbon-negative status, Bhutan is also embracing nature-based solutions such as sustainable forest management, agroforestry, and watershed restoration to bolster climate resilience and reinforce its role in global climate leadership.
As COP29 concludes this week, the international community, particularly developing nations, are hopeful that the final decision text will reflect significant advancements in climate finance. Negotiations have centered on enhancing financial support to help nations meet the 1.5°C target and implement vital adaptation and mitigation projects. Bhutan’s active participation and advocacy exemplify the critical contributions of smaller nations in shaping comprehensive and inclusive climate policies.
