Bhutan: Climate + Change Handbook

The Climate + Change Handbook provides background information on the impacts of climate change in Bhutan. This document discusses the hazards that will be influenced by the changing climate and recommendations for action. It notes that factors including income poverty, remoteness from economic activity, schools or hospitals, limited local governance capacity, and little awareness of risks and other markers of disadvantage define the country's vulnerability to climate change. 

In this context, sustaining progress and confronting the demands of equity are critical issues for Bhutan. The sustainability of human development progress requires that recognition be given to the scarcity and use of resources as well as the consideration of future generations to have similar, if not greater, freedom of use.

In conclusion, it presents the results of a survey on the level of climate change awareness of policy makers and stakeholders and provides recommendations for action. Recommendations include the following findings: 

• A comprehensive climate change strategy should be developed;
• Research proposals and small studies on climate change in Bhutan should be funded;
• Better coordination among stakeholders and donors is required;
• Climate change mainstreaming should be promoted in development plans and policies at all levels;
• Options for securing climate change financing from various emerging funding sources should be explored;
• The media and conservationists should educate citizens on climate change and hold policymakers accountable for policies that have a negative impact on the environment;
• Climate change can be incorporated as a subject in the education curriculum at early as possible;
• Environmental agencies should have increased engagement and authority in the process of implementing policies;
• There is a need to reorient research plans and programs to seek policial and financial support to prepare for the changing local environment;
• Vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) assessments should cover human settlements, critical infrastructure and mapping of vulnerable populations and areas.