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Which Country Has the Smallest Carbon Footprint?

The rest of the world owes a debt to Bhutan and Suriname. Those two little nations, located in South Asia and South America, respectively, are carbon-negative, which means they absorb more greenhouse gases than they produce. In other words, they are not only removing their own carbon emissions, but they are also absorbing some produced by surrounding countries. Bhutan and Suriname are both heavily forested, which allows them to serve as natural carbon sinks.

According to an analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), several other nations are taking their cue from Bhutan and Suriname and working toward lessening their carbon footprint. Leading the list are Norway and Sweden, which have enacted laws making it mandatory that they reach a zero carbon footprint -- absorbing as much as they produce -- by the years 2030 and 2045, respectively.

Along with the South American nation of Suriname, heavily forested Bhutan is carbon negative: it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.
Along with the South American nation of Suriname, heavily forested Bhutan is carbon negative: it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.

ECIU Director Richard Black explained that many nations are working to be in compliance with the Paris Agreement, a 2015 commitment to slow global warming. "Of course, a target means little without a process to meet it," he said. "But science shows unequivocally that halting climate change means reducing emissions to net zero; so if a government isn’t planning to bring its own emissions to net zero, it can’t really claim to be planning to do its share of stopping climate change."

Although most major nations have ratified the Paris Agreement, the United States withdrew under the direction of President Donald Trump. President-elect Joe Biden has said the United States will rejoin as soon as possible after he takes office in 2021.

The Paris Agreement:

  • Compliance with the agreement is essentially based on international "peer pressure," as there are no legal repercussions for failing to follow through on goals.

  • It takes four years to withdraw from the agreement; the United States began the process under President Donald Trump in 2017.

  • The accord sets a goal of preventing the Earth from warming more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 °F) beyond preindustrial levels; the figure is considered a danger point, threatening flooding and other natural disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country currently has the smallest carbon footprint?

As of the latest data, Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, holds the distinction of having the smallest carbon footprint. Its low population and minimal industrial activity contribute to an exceptionally low emission of CO2, making it a leading example in terms of a small carbon footprint.

What factors contribute to a country having a small carbon footprint?

Countries with small carbon footprints often have limited industrial activity, rely on renewable energy sources, and have low population densities. Sustainable agricultural practices, efficient use of resources, and a strong cultural emphasis on environmental conservation also play significant roles in reducing a nation's carbon emissions.

How are carbon footprints measured and compared between countries?

Carbon footprints are typically measured in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents per capita, which includes greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide, normalized to CO2. This measurement allows for comparison between countries by considering the total emissions produced and dividing it by the population size.

Can larger countries achieve a small carbon footprint?

Larger countries can work towards reducing their carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing policies that encourage sustainable practices. While it's more challenging due to higher energy demands and complex economies, progress can be made, as seen in countries like Denmark and Sweden.

What role does government policy play in reducing a country's carbon footprint?

Government policy is crucial in reducing a country's carbon footprint. Legislation that promotes renewable energy, imposes carbon taxes, incentivizes green technology, and sets ambitious emission reduction targets can drive significant change. Effective policy can also encourage behavioral shifts among citizens and businesses towards more sustainable practices.

How can individuals contribute to reducing their country's carbon footprint?

Individuals can contribute by adopting sustainable lifestyles, such as using public transportation, reducing meat consumption, recycling, and conserving energy at home. Personal choices, when multiplied across a population, can lead to substantial reductions in a nation's carbon footprint, complementing larger-scale governmental and industrial efforts.

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    • Along with the South American nation of Suriname, heavily forested Bhutan is carbon negative: it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.
      Along with the South American nation of Suriname, heavily forested Bhutan is carbon negative: it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.