Carbon Neutral Exemplar of Asia: Lessons from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

This paper examines the case study of Bhutan as a sovereign state in Asia and its cities’ role as a net-zero target. It raises some potential questions: Is carbon neutral a choice? Why must cities be motivated to cut down their carbon emissions? What can we learn from the carbon-neutral exemplar cities? Bhutan has set impressive net-zero emissions and transformed into a carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 than it releases. Undoubtedly, Bhutan also seeks urbanisation to accommodate its citizens for their living. By opening Gelephu’s Mindfulness City (MC), the Bhutan government hopes to curtail the growing “outmigration” of Bhutanese youth searching for jobs abroad. Thus, this paper highlights Gelephu’s MC, which aims to succeed in city diplomacy by collaborating with other urban centres and stakeholders with zero-carbon targets. This paper is divided into three broad sections: 1) It highlights that carbon neutrality is a choice and theorises in understanding a city’s role as an exemplar; 2) It will compare cities of Asia (specifically Bhutan and India) neighbouring borders to see geographical differences and similarities; 3) this paper recommends Gelephu city to lead a success of city diplomacy by collaborating with other urban centres and stakeholders. This city has the potential to generate opportunities for shared advantages, join efforts for economic advancement, and safeguard its environment. The connection also highlights the significance of international cooperation and advancement in sustainable ecological infrastructure development.