Today, the “land of the thunder dragon” is one of only three states in the world, with Panama and Suriname, to record a negative carbon footprint. Thanks to its forests, which cover 70% of the territory and are protected by the constitution, it absorbs 3 times more carbon than it emits. If Bhutan captures CO2 thanks to its expanses of greenery, it does not emit any when it comes to producing electricity. In Bhutan, it does not come from fossil energy but is 100% hydroelectric. The country produces its electricity thanks to its five dams powered by water from Himalayan glaciers.
But despite its preservation efforts, Bhutan has not escaped the consequences of global warming. The country, overlooked by peaks reaching an altitude of 7,500 meters, has 700 glaciers and almost as many glacial lakes. As the ice melts, water reservoirs are created, making scientists fear “mountain tsunamis”.
The Arte Reportage team obtained the exceptional agreement to accompany Bhutanese scientists to one of these lakes which threatens to overflow. At nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, Antoine Védeilhé and Germain Baslé noted the imminent danger hovering over the country. If the lake were to overflow, millions of cubic meters of water would flow into the valley below, swallowing up thousands of lives in its wake.
After having succeeded in protecting its forests, Bhutan is now leaning towards its mountains. There is urgency: according to the country's first glaciologist, the question is no longer whether the glacial lakes will overflow, but when?
