Thu Feb 06 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Himalayan Paradise Faces Climate Crisis Despite Carbon-Negative Status
**THIMPHU, BHUTAN** – Bhutan, renowned globally as the world’s first carbon-negative country, is facing a growing threat from the climate crisis, despite its commitment to environmental sustainability. While the nation’s vast protected forests and reliance on renewable energy have allowed it to absorb more carbon dioxide than it emits, the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly apparent.
The documentary series 101 East recently visited Bhutan, highlighting the precarious situation. Rising temperatures are causing rivers, the primary source of hydropower, to shrink, threatening energy security and livelihoods. Simultaneously, glacial lakes in the high mountains are swelling, creating a dangerous risk of catastrophic flooding.
These challenges underscore the vulnerability of even the most environmentally conscious nations to the impacts of climate change. Despite Bhutan’s impressive record, the country finds itself on the front lines of a global crisis, demonstrating the need for international cooperation to mitigate climate change and support vulnerable communities.
First Piper 