info@sikkimtourism.org| +91 98110 66496 , +91 98100 66496
info@sikkimtourism.org| +91 98110 66496 , +91 98100 66496
Special Offers

    x

    Sikkim : The Carbon-Negative State of India

    Carbon-Negativity: Definition

    India can now proudly claim Sikkim to be a Carbon Negative state. But to come to this heartening conclusion let us first understand what Carbon Negativity entails. Carbon-Negativity refers to a state in which an entity, such as a country, organization or business removes more carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than it emits or generates. This concept is one step further to carbon neutrality, where emissions are balanced by removal. A carbon-negative entity helps to reduce the overall concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, contributing positively to climate change mitigation.

    Key characteristics of Carbon-Negativity can be listed as follows:

    • Net Negative Emissions: The total amount of carbon absorbed or captured exceeds the amount emitted.
    • Carbon Sequestration: This restoration process involves steps like afforestation, reforestation soil carbon capture or carbon capture technologies that store carbon dioxide.
    • Sustainable Practices: A carbon-negative entity often relies on renewable energy, efficient waste management and eco-friendly practices to minimize emissions.

    A state like Sikkim is carbon-negative because its forest cover absorbs more CO₂ than the country emits. Similarly, businesses can become carbon-negative by investing in carbon offset projects that go beyond balancing emissions. Carbon negativity is in essence the next step after carbon neutrality, where entities actively remove carbon from the atmosphere to create a positive environmental impact.

    Suggested Read : Sikkim tour packages

    What is a Carbon-Negative State?

    Sikkim's Organic Dream

    We should be aware of the facts on the basis of which we might call Sikkim a carbon-negative state. A Carbon-Negative State refers to a region that removes more carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than it emits. This results in a net negative carbon footprint, meaning the state is helping to reduce the overall amount of carbon contained in the atmosphere, contributing positively to fight climatic change.

    Suggested Read : Sikkim honeymoon packages

    Some characteristics of a carbon-negative state can be highlighted as follows:

    • The State Contributes Towards High Carbon sequestration: This is mostly achieved through natural means such as forests, oceans or through technological methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS).
    • Low Carbon Emissions: The state achieved significant reduction in its carbon emissions, by means of using renewable energy sources, sustainable practices and minimal reliance on fossil fuels.
    • Exceeding Neutrality: While a carbon-neutral state balances emissions with removal, a carbon-negative state goes a step further by actively removing more carbon than it emits.

    Bhutan is a brilliant example of being one of the few carbon-negative countries due to its extensive forest cover and policies that promote environmental conservation.

    Suggested Read : Culture of sikkim

    How Can You Say Sikkim is a Carbon-Negative State?

    Sikkim's Organic mission

    Sikkim is recognised as a carbon-negative state because of its commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable practices and its ability to repossess more carbon than it emits. This claim is backed by some solid practices by the state administration and compelling efforts to achieve this status.

    Suggested Read : Sikkim adventure tourism

    1. Sikkim Has a Large Forest Cover

    • Over 47% of Sikkim’s land is covered by forests. Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, effectively absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in trees and soil.
    • The state has maintained a significant portion of its natural vegetation, with strict rules on forest conservation, which contributes heavily towards its carbon-negative status.

    2. Low Carbon Emissions

    • Sikkim does not have extensive industrialization, which automatically results in low carbon emissions. The state relies on eco-friendly methods for agriculture and industry, which results in minimizing its carbon footprint.
    • The state’s policies have always focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels and shifting towards renewable energy sources like hydroelectric power.

    3. Organic Farming

    • Sikkim was declared the first fully organic state in India in 2016. Organic farming practices reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are sources of greenhouse gas emissions in conventional farming.
    • By going organic, Sikkim has significantly reduced its agricultural carbon emissions while promoting sustainable farming practices.

    4. Renewable Energy and Hydropower

    • Sikkim harnesses hydropower as its primary energy source, which is a clean and renewable energy form. The state’s dependency on renewable energy further helps in reducing its emissions.
    • The government of Sikkim has invested in clean energy projects, ensuring that most of the state’s power comes from low-carbon sources.

    5. Eco-friendly Tourism

    • The state promotes eco-tourism, which encourages sustainable travel practices. Policies are in place to minimize the environmental impact of tourism, from banning plastic bags to restricting development in ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Sikkim also encourages visitors to experience nature responsibly, with controlled access to some regions and regulated trekking routes.

    6. Government Policies and Initiatives

    • The Sikkim government has enacted numerous policies that prioritize environmental sustainability, such as banning the use of plastic bottles, polystyrene foam, and plastic bags.
    • It has also implemented reforestation programs and initiatives to enhance biodiversity and protect natural ecosystems.

    Conclusion:

    Sikkim’s commitment to conservation, forest preservation, organic agriculture, renewable energy, and low emissions enables it to sequester more carbon than it emits, making it a carbon-negative state. These sustainable practices align with Sikkim’s goal to continue reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining a balance between development and ecological preservation.

    Suggested Read : Best spas in sikkim

    Impacts of Climate Change on Sikkim

    Sikkim Eco Camp

    The impacts of climate change on Sikkim, which is a beautiful state in the northeastern Himalayas, are particularly profound on account of its fragile mountain ecosystem. As a mountainous region with sensitive biodiversity, changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and glacial behaviour significantly affect Sikkim’s environment, agriculture and livelihoods. The key impacts can be collated from studies over the past years.

    Suggested Read : Hidden gems of sikkim

    1. Glacial Melting

    One major impact is the resulting retreat of glaciers. Sikkim is home to several important glaciers, such as the Zemu Glacier, which is shrinking due to rising temperatures. Glaciers are a critical source of water for rivers and agriculture, so their retreat threatens water supply in the region and adjacent ecosystems. In fact the accelerated melting of glaciers might lead to an increase in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can cause sudden and catastrophic flooding downstream, threatening lives and infrastructure.

    2. Changes in Hydrology

    Sikkim relies heavily on its rivers for irrigation, drinking water and hydropower. Climate change is disrupting the natural flow of these rivers by altering precipitation patterns and snowmelt timing, affecting water availability. Rain patterns have become unpredictable, with some areas experiencing intense rainfall and others experiencing drought. This has led to flash floods, landslides and soil erosion, particularly in monsoon seasons. These fluctuations affect hydropower generation, which is alarmingly Sikkim’s main source of electricity.

    3. Landslides and Flooding

    Frequency of landslides increase manifold. With unpredictable and intense rainfall, the risk of landslides in Sikkim has grown. These landslides not only damage infrastructure, homes and farmlands but also disrupt transportation routes and isolate remote communities. Climate change has led to heavier monsoon rains and floods, which are more severe than before. Floods affect agricultural productivity, damage roads and infrastructure, and displace population and communities living near rivers or low-lying areas.

    4. Impact on Agriculture

    Sikkim is an organic farming state, and climate change threatens this sustainable agricultural practices. The changes in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations affect crop cycles and even yields, making it difficult for farmers to predict growing seasons. Loss of traditional crops have also occurred. Some indigenous crops that thrive in specific temperature and moisture conditions are declining. New pests and diseases, spurred by warming temperatures, also pose as recurring threats to agriculture. Disrupted agriculture, soil erosion and reduced water availability can lead to lower food production, raising concerns about food security for the local population.

    5. Biodiversity Loss

    Sikkim is known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Rising temperatures are shifting habitats upward in elevation, endangering species that cannot adapt or move to higher altitudes. Alpine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, as rising temperatures threaten species that thrive in cold climates. Some species may face extinction if they cannot find suitable habitats in the rapidly changing environment. Warming temperatures allow invasive species to move into Sikkim’s ecosystem, competing with native flora and fauna for resources, further threatening biodiversity.

    6. Impact on Tourism

    Glacial retreat and loss of biodiversity impact eco-tourism negatively and considerably. While eco-tourism is one of Sikkim’s major economic activities, the impact is therefore much more felt. Trekkers and tourists who visit to see glaciers, biodiversity and mountain landscapes may be a tad disappointed at the deteriorating state of things. Infrastructure damage from floods and landslides affects road connectivity and access to tourist destinations, especially during the monsoon season, which definitely reduces tourist inflow. The news of any calamity spreads like wildfire restricting tourists from taking risks and thus the economy sustains major setback.

    7. Cultural and Societal Impact

    Many communities in Sikkim are dependent on the natural environment for their livelihoods, traditions and culture. Climate change threatens the way of life of people who rely on subsistence farming and herding. The Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites located in higher altitudes come under risk due to increased landslide and erosion activity.

    8. Public Health Risks

    Changing climatic conditions have led to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, which were previously not to be found so much in the colder regions of Sikkim. Increased instances of water-borne diseases occur due to contamination of water sources from floods and landslides.

    Suggested Read : Road trip to sikkim

    Mitigation and Adaptation Efforts

    tourism_places_in_sikkim

    The government of Sikkim has taken several proactive measures to adapt to these changes.

    • Conservation initiatives have been undertaken to protect forests and biodiversity.
    • Organic farming has been promoted on a large scale to enhance soil health and reduce climate vulnerability.
    • Awareness on disaster preparedness methods and programs have been initiated to mitigate landslides and floods.
    • Eco-tourism strategies have been planned to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.

    Climate change thus poses some complex challenges for the hill state of Sikkim that includes ecological disruption, agricultural instability and water scarcity. The state’s fragile Himalayan environment makes it particularly vulnerable and addressing these impacts need focussed and coordinated efforts through collective measures of government policies, sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

    Suggested Read : Teesta river sikkim

    How will Carbon-Negativity Help Sikkim

    village tourism in Sikkim

    Achieving and maintaining carbon-negativity can have numerous positive impacts on Sikkim, benefiting both the environment and its people. Given Sikkim’s ecological sensitivity and reliance on natural resources, carbon-negativity helps protect the state’s ecosystems, economy, and cultural heritage from the adverse effects of climate change. Here are some important ways carbon-negativity will help Sikkim.

    1. Alleviating the Negating Impact of Climate Change

    By being carbon-negative, Sikkim contributes significantly to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, helping to slow down global warming. This is a sincere effort aiming for striving towards a better future for the human race. The efforts are lauded and recognised throughout the country which makes Sikkim a coveted destination among mountain lovers. The efforts will eventually directly benefit the region, which is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Carbon-negativity helps to stabilize global temperatures, which can slow down the retreat of Sikkim’s glaciers. This will ensure that the prominent tourist attractions are conserved for visit and enjoyment for tourists from all across the globe.

    2. Preserving Biodiversity

    Sikkim’s rich biodiversity, which includes endemic species, is threatened by rising temperatures and habitat loss. By reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sinks (such as forests), Sikkim can help protect and preserve its unique ecosystems. Healthier forests will continue to serve as rich habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services like soil stabilization, water filtration and air purification. Pure air and virgin greenery will continue to lure city-bred travellers.

    3. Reducing Environmental Risks

    Sikkim faces increasing risks of landslides, floods and soil erosion due to erratic rainfall and climate change. By maintaining forest cover and promoting carbon-negative practices, the state can reduce deforestation, which helps to stabilize soils, reduce runoff and minimize landslide risks. Carbon-negative practices, such as protecting watersheds and promoting organic farming, help to enhance water retention in the soil, ensuring more sustainable water management. This will reduce risks of natural calamities ensuring a safe destination for visitors.

    4. Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

    Sikkim is the first fully organic state in India, and carbon-negativity supports organic and sustainable farming practices. Organic farming reduces emissions from fertilizers and helps sequester carbon in the soil, improving soil health and increasing agricultural resilience to climate change. This will ensure healthy eating for visitors too. By maintaining carbon-negative practices, farmers are better able to cope with the changing climate and extreme weather events.

    5. Boosting Eco-Tourism

    Sikkim’s carbon-negative status can enhance its reputation as an eco-friendly destination. Tourists are increasingly seeking sustainable and environmentally responsible travel experiences, and carbon-negativity aligns with these values. By preserving natural landscapes and minimizing environmental degradation, the state can continue to attract eco-tourists, which is a significant source of income for local communities. A major chunk of tourists nowadays are aiming for detoxification from cluster, crowd, pollution, junk binging, fast lifestyle and lack of relaxation. Sikkim is an ideal destination for these tourists.

    7. Energy Security

    A key element of carbon-negativity is the transition to renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar and wind energy. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and provides Sikkim with cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. By continuing to expand its hydropower capacity and exploring other renewable energy options, Sikkim can meet its own energy needs while minimizing carbon emissions, creating a more sustainable and secure energy future, which is a heartening plan for extra power needs for tourism too.

    8. Improved Public Health

    Carbon-negative initiatives often involve steps towards reducing pollution, such as banning single-use plastics, reducing vehicular emissions and promoting sustainable waste management. A cleaner environment with less air and water pollution leads to improved public health, reducing respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases and other health issues related to environmental degradation. And tourists love to visit such eco-friendly destinations.

    9. Reduction in Risks of Natural Calamities

    Sikkim is prone to natural disasters such as landslides and floods. By maintaining forests and wetlands, and promoting sustainable land use, carbon-negative practices reduce the risk of these disasters. With less frequent and intense environmental disasters, communities are better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change, reducing displacement, economic losses and damage to infrastructure, which means stale influx of tourists.

    10. Long-Term Sustainability and Cultural Preservation

    Many of Sikkim’s traditional cultural practices are related to the environment. Protecting natural ecosystems through carbon-negative strategies helps to preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous communities and sustain their livelihoods. That assures a connection with the original tradition and culture of the place, which is an attractive proposition for the visitors. Carbon-negative policies promote the sustainable use of resources, ensuring that future generations in Sikkim can continue to thrive without depleting the environment.

    By achieving and maintaining carbon-negativity, Sikkim is now very capable of protecting its natural resources, enhance the resilience of its people to climate change and happily and successfully continue on a path of sustainable development. This approach helps Sikkim effectively avoid the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change, while also nurturing economic opportunities and preserving the state’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.

    Get Instant Support


      Why Choose Sikkim Tourism?

      • Experienced

        An experienced Sikkim tour operator, with a team of an experienced travel enthusiast ensure to give our clients well-designed Sikkim Gangtok tour packages.

      • Happy Customers

        Sikkim Tourism has received numerous accolades from its happy customers for its excellent services and best Sikkim holidays.

      • Local Offices

        We have local office in Sikkim for our customers to find assistance anytime and anywhere.


      Get a Question?

      Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

      +91-9810066496

      info@sikkimtourism.org

      Popular Sikkim Tour Packages

      Popular Places To Visit in Sikkim

      Customer Reviews

      • At times, there is a huge difference between what they offer and what they provide. However, SikkimTourism.org kept its promise to us. They put forth a lot of effort to make our trip to Sikkim the finest one ever.

        Kabir Sahni
        Solo Traveler
      • SIKKIMTOURISM.ORG assisted me in planning a trip for my family and me. I spoke with other tour guides and looked through numerous websites. But none could compare to Sikkim Tourism’s degree of professionalism.

        Rohit Agarwal
        Family Trip
      • Mr. ROHIT phoned me in response to my letter inquiry. He is a really helpful dude. I had a lot of concerns for him, such as the weather in Sikkim and if it was OK to bring my 2-year-old, and he patiently responded to all of them.

        Dilip Madhukar
        Solo Traveler
      • We were able to organise our journey to Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La, Yumthang Valley, Lachung, and Darjeeling as a result of his insightful ideas.

        Sanjay Sahni
        Group Traveler
      • The dates of our journey were February 7–15 of this year. The itinerary provided by Sikkim Tourism, our travel guide, was fantastic and guaranteed that our vacation will be memorable.

        Sanjig Garg
        Traveler
      • We need drivers who had a thorough understanding of the roads because Sikkim is situated in a hilly area and has twisty roads. We received these from SikkimTourism.ORG, which helped us feel secure.

        Santosh Sahani
        Traveler
      • Eight days were spent travelling. From day 1 to day 8, the schedule included all travel arrangements, information on the vehicles, accommodations, and meals. The crew, in particular Mr. Rohit, kept in touch with us well.

        Kaushik More
        Family Traveler
      • The accommodation, meals, and transportation arrangements were all well-taken care of. What I appreciated most were the safe travel itinerary and the on-time cab drivers. Overall, our trip was enjoyable. Thanks, SikkimToursim.org group

        Sangeeta
        Honeymoon Traveler
      • Excellent lodging, outstanding transportation, and lovely memories to cherish. Because of their smooth services, I would heartily suggest SIKKIMTOURISM.ORG tourism. I really appreciate it. Bravo to ROHIT and the rest of the SIKKIM TOURISM.ORG team.

         

        Priya Awasthi
        Solo Traveler
      • In April 2019, my family and I travelled to Sikkim and Darjeeling. We reserved our tour with SIKKIMTOURISM.ORG to make travel easier. I must say that the accommodations for travel, the mode of transportation, and how the trip was planned were all excellent.

        Sonu Sood
        Adventure Trip
      Get Free Quotes whatsapp icon