Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation

Introduction

Today, climate change remains crucial transnational threats wreaking havoc to many parts of the world. From frequent cyclones lashing the coastal areas to sudden occurrence of inland floods and landslides, we are witnessing the unprecedented impacts of climate change. As rising sea level is increasingly destructive to the island nations, the receding glaciers and melting snow on the mountains have equal impact to the country like Bhutan, creating risk and vulnerability to any consequences of the climate change.  

Since the climate-based challenges cut cross borders, more than ever, there is demand for concerted effort among organizations to tackle the climate issues. The success or failure in combating the multi-dimensional challenges caused by climate change will even rest on the shoulders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) like us. We have a role in moving the mass to tackle climate issues and influence the policy on climate change. As a CSO, we all have the opportunity to partner with the Government and other CSOs for the common purpose to tackle the climate issues.

Climate change is a reality we must recognize when implementing conservation strategies. The impacts of climate change are drastic weather pattern changes, flash floods, rising sea levels, heatwaves, wind storms, and unusually long periods of severe droughts. The beginning of the 21st century has been recorded as the warmest period, putting many of the most vulnerable communities at risk. The median of the projections suggests winter warming of 1.5 °C to 2.0°C and summer warming of 1.0°C to 2.0°C by 2060s.

During COP15 in Copenhagen and COP21 in Paris, Bhutan pledged to remain carbon neutral. As it stands, Bhutan is not simply carbon neutral, it is carbon negative – a rarity amongst the 200 other countries in the world. Even though Bhutan generates 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, our forest sequestrates three times that amount. Renewable energy exported from Bhutan alone offsets six million tons of carbon. Bhutan currently has a national forest cover of 71 %, reinforced by a constitutional mandate of that 60% of the country remains forested indefinitely. Even though Bhutan is carbon negative, it is experiencing the powerful impact of climate change through:  Retreating glaciers Increasing incidences of flash floods and landslides Increasing agricultural pests and diseases Unpredictable long period of droughts and erratic rainfall   These incidences adversely affect biodiversity and the liveli- hoods of communities. These major challenges need immediate attention from di- verse stakeholders. At such a delicate juncture, RSPN aims to encourage and support research on environmental con- servation and sustainable development strategies through Jigme Khesar Environmental Research Fund for:  Aspiring researchers Communities and local actors, Institutions and entrepreneur The researchers would focus on adapting to impending climate change challenges and leaving a legacy of carbon neutrality for the global community and focus on the community. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE RSPN embarked on climate change projects in 2005 and is now an affiliated institution under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) civil society umbrella. Our strengths are our partnership with government, donors, institutions and outreach at a grass-root level. It is with your support and donations made over the years that we have been able to fund several new programs, including conservation of flagship species. We need your support to ensure continuity of our work.  It is said that a single grain of sand can tip the scale. You can be the grain that tips the scale towards the conservation of Bhutan’s environmental legacy. Make a difference by donating to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature today.