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Climate Change in Bhutan: Contextualising Socioeconomic, Cultural, Environmental and Educational Realities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To understand the challenges of climate change in a specific setting, it is essential to examine the social, cultural, environmental, economic and other national contexts. This paper provides an overview of Bhutan, highlighting the current climate change trends and their potential impacts on both the environment and society. Special attention is given to the impending implications for Bhutan’s education system, particularly how changing climatic conditions may affect learners’ well-being, learning and education. Additionally, the paper discusses the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) — the national development philosophy of Bhutan — and how climate change may challenge this aspiration while also presenting opportunities to advance sustainability. Finally, the prospects for further exploration and the role school communities may have in climate actions are underlined.

Source: Australian Journal of Environmental Education

DOI: 10.1017/aee.2025.10109

Author: Ramesh Thapa

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Environmental and sustainability education

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550