Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Climate discourse

 In scientific measure- due to human settlement or density of population, population increase in an area which try to adapt new technology which are quantifiable methods taken to address those issues. 

1. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Climate Discourse

Indigenous and local populations' long-standing customs and perceptions of their surroundings are referred to as traditional ecological knowledge. TEK incorporates, in contrast to contemporary scientific discourse. From a spiritual, cultural, and cosmological standpoint, nature is revered rather than being viewed as a resource. For instance, mountains, rivers, and forests are highly valued in Bhutan and Ladakh. Relational worldview: People are not above nature, but rather a part of it. This contrasts with postmodernist environmental theory's mechanical perspective, which views nature as something that needs to be controlled or altered.
TEK adds to the conversation about climate change by: Putting an emphasis on sustainability by using few resources. Encouraging conservation by means of spiritual principles. Promoting the exchange of knowledge between generations.

2. Scientific Measures and the Rise in Temperature

Global climate models show that the earth’s temperature is rising due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities, mostly in India, China, and Japan, which are major contributors to global CO₂ emissions due to rapid industrialization.

In contrast:

Bhutan, Ladakh, and Sikkim, despite being part of the same Himalayan ecological space, emit much less CO₂. They maintain forests and traditional farming, which makes them carbon sinks, not sources.

3. Postmodernist Theory: Agents or Divers of Environmental Change

Postmodernist environmental theory often questions:

Who has the power to define climate solutions?

Whose voices are heard—scientific elites or Indigenous communities?

TEK holders are seen as "agents" of ecological balance, but often excluded from global climate policymaking.

There's a divergence between techno-scientific solutions (like carbon trading) and local, holistic practices.

4. Climate Injustice: Unequal Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Climate injustice refers to the unfair distribution of climate change’s effects:

Bhutan, Ladakh, and Sikkim, though low in emissions, face severe impacts: glacier melting, water scarcity, and landslides.They suffer because of emissions by industrialized neighbors (India, China, Japan).Yet, they have fewer resources to adapt or defend themselves, which highlights global environmental inequality.

5. Bhutan and Carbon Trading

Bhutan, under Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, has advocated for Carbon neutrality: Bhutan absorbs more CO₂ than it emits. Carbon trading markets: Bhutan offers its forests as global CO₂ sinks. Other countries can “buy” this sink capacity. This is a way for Bhutan to earn revenue while still protecting the environment. However, some critics say this commodifies nature, treating CO₂ absorption like a market product.

Examples:

India and China: High industrial output, major GHG emitters. Delhi and Beijing rank among the most polluted cities.

Japan: Advanced economy with nuclear and fossil fuel energy dependence, contributing to climate problems.

Ladakh and Sikkim: Small Himalayan communities seeing retreating glaciers and altered rainfall patterns.

Bhutan: Absorbs over 7 million tons of CO₂ annually while emitting around 2.5 million tons, according to national statistics. Yet it suffers droughts, erratic weather, and ecological degradation.

Conclusion

TEK provides alternative, culturally-rooted frameworks for understanding and responding to climate change.

Climate injustice highlights ethical and political gaps in global environmental policy.

Countries like Bhutan are both victims and leaders in climate solutions—protecting nature while being vulnerable to others actions' he need is to integrate spiritual, cultural, and scientific approaches to build fair and effective climate responses.