Chimi Dorji has spent the last seven years working on climate action, environmental conservation and community development in Bhutan—his home country and the world’s first carbon-negative nation.

In his most recent role, Dorji has focused on developing Bhutan’s Article 6 strategy and carbon market infrastructure, positioning the country “as one of only five globally ready to participate in international carbon markets,” he said. Dorji also led the establishment of the Bhutan Climate Fund and served as part of Bhutan’s delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) negotiations.

Now, Dorji has joined Columbia Climate School’s inaugural class of the M.S. in Climate Finance. As one of three recipients of the prestigious Stanley Park Scholarship, Dorji told State of the Planet he is eager to deepen his expertise in climate finance and to bring his new knowledge home to Bhutan and, ultimately, to the global stage. Read more about Dorji’s journey in the Q&A below.

What was your reaction to receiving the Stanley Park award? What does it mean to you?

Receiving the Stanley Park Award was an unexpected but deeply meaningful honor. Beyond the financial support, it feels like a recognition of my work and the impact it has on the communities I serve. It reminds me of my responsibility to give back, especially to the frontline communities most affected by climate change. It was a proud and joyful moment for me, my family and my colleagues.

What brought you to the climate space?

I come from Bhutan, the world’s first carbon-negative country, where progress is measured by gross national happiness, a balance between environmental conservation, people’s well-being and economic prosperity. The monarchy of my country is a testament to true leadership, which actually has kept Bhutan carbon negative and a champion of environmental conservation. Inspired by that vision and legacy, I studied environmental and climate studies in the College of Natural Resources at the Royal University of Bhutan and spent the past seven years with Bhutan’s Department of Environment and Climate Change.

My work began in local government in the field of environmental management and conservation, where I witnessed how climate change affects frontline communities. Later, I focused on climate finance, leading Bhutan’s efforts on Article 6 and representing the country in international climate negotiations, including the UNFCCC COPs.

These experiences made me realize how underrepresented the Global South is in climate finance and decision-making. I want to bridge that gap by bringing local realities and southern perspectives into global climate discussions.

Have you worked on any projects recently that you’re excited about?

Over the past two years, I’ve worked on Bhutan’s emerging carbon market, focusing on Article 6 of the international carbon market. I helped develop the carbon market policy, institutional framework and registry systems; conducted mitigation potential assessments; and achieved a major milestone by signing a bilateral agreement with Singapore for carbon collaboration and trading. I also helped establish the Bhutan Climate Fund, which mobilizes finance for adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, and sustainable development.

What made you decide to apply to the M.S. in Climate Finance program? 

My journey to Columbia began unexpectedly at COP29 in Baku, where I was leading Article 6 negotiations for Bhutan. Seeing Jeffrey Sachs speak at Columbia Climate School’s panel inspired me, and picking up a flyer about the program sparked my application.

I decided to apply to the M.S. in Climate Finance program because it aligns perfectly with both my personal experience and Bhutan’s needs. While leading Article 6 negotiations at COP29, I realized how critical climate finance expertise is for countries like Bhutan, especially now that we’ve graduated from the Least Developed Countries group and face reduced access to international climate funds.

Columbia Climate School offers a unique combination of cutting-edge research, practical tools and a network in New York City, a global hub for climate and finance. I aim to take these skills back to Bhutan, where our small, agile country can implement innovative climate finance strategies, test policies and serve as a model for the Global South.

Are there any classes you’re especially looking forward to taking? 

My background is in environment and sustainability, with experience spanning climate adaptation, mitigation and environmental management. While I have a solid foundation in environmental science and policy, I want to deepen my skills and knowledge in finance, which is crucial for turning climate goals into tangible action and unlocking resources for impactful projects.

I’m particularly excited about learning international climate finance, financial modeling and financial risk management. Beyond the classroom, I value networking with peers and practitioners, as these interactions are an essential part of the curriculum. Collaborating with talented individuals will allow me to explore innovative solutions, contribute to practical climate finance frameworks and bring knowledge and connections back to Bhutan and other countries in the Global South. My goal is to help design strategies that bridge the gap between climate ambition and implementation, enabling systemic, equitable change worldwide.

Currently, I am in discussions with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, working with Lisa Sachs to support Bhutan in developing a financing strategy for long-term low emission development and the hydropower sector, and I hope this collaboration will be highly impactful.

How do you see yourself applying these skills in the future? 

After my studies, I aim to work in an organization that can shape the global climate finance architecture and drive systemic change in equitable and sustainable development. I envision advising Bhutan and other vulnerable countries on designing innovative financing frameworks and mechanisms to mobilize public and private capital for climate action. I also hope to collaborate with international organizations and stakeholders to ensure climate finance is accessible, efficient and impactful, helping the Global South achieve its climate and development goals.