CO2 Emissions per Capita: Bhutan

Analysis# Bhutan CO2 Emissions per Capita Bhutan's per capita CO2 emissions reached 2.011 metric tons in 2024, representing a substantial increase from its 1970 baseline of 0.114 metric tons—a 1,664% rise over five decades. The country peaked at 2.362 metric tons in 2019, positioning current emissions 15% below that historical high. Despite industrialization and economic growth, Bhutan maintains relatively low per capita emissions compared to global averages, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and hydropower-dependent energy infrastructure. The 2020 dip to 1.835 metric tons coincided with pandemic-related economic contraction, followed by a rebound through 2022. Since then, emissions have stabilized in the 1.94–2.01 range. This recent plateau suggests Bhutan may be approaching an equilibrium between development pressures and its constitutional mandate to maintain at least 60% forest cover, though the slight upward trajectory in 2024 warrants continued monitoring.