Which of the following countries is recognised as the first nation in the world to become carbon negative, meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits?

Introduction / Context:
In discussions on climate change, countries are often described as carbon neutral, carbon positive, or carbon negative based on their net greenhouse gas emissions. A carbon negative country removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, which helps slow global warming. This question asks which country is widely recognised as the first to achieve carbon negative status.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on the first country to become carbon negative.
- Carbon negative means net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- The options are Canada, Poland, Bhutan, and the United States of America.
- We assume basic awareness of global environmental leadership and policies.

Concept / Approach:
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has a constitutional requirement to maintain a large proportion of its land under forest cover and has adopted strong environmental policies. Its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits through activities like transport and industry. Because of this, Bhutan is frequently cited in international climate discussions as a carbon negative country. Recognising this unique environmental profile allows us to select Bhutan as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that carbon negative status requires net absorption of carbon dioxide when emissions and removals are balanced. Step 2: Recall that Bhutan has very high forest cover and low industrial emissions. Step 3: Note that Canada and the United States have large economies and higher overall emissions, even though they have forests. Step 4: Poland is a European country with significant coal usage and does not qualify as carbon negative. Step 5: Identify Bhutan as the country that has publicly declared and is recognised as carbon negative.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Environmental reports and speeches by Bhutan leaders highlight that the country not only remains carbon neutral but actually carbon negative due to extensive forest cover and hydropower based electricity. International climate conferences have praised Bhutan for this achievement. In contrast, Canada, Poland, and the United States are often discussed as high or moderate emitters needing further reductions. This comparison verifies that Bhutan is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Canada: Although it has large forests, it also has significant industrial and energy related emissions, so it is not carbon negative overall.
Poland: Relies heavily on coal for energy, leading to substantial emissions and preventing carbon negative status.
United States of America: As a major industrial economy, it has high greenhouse gas emissions and is not classified as carbon negative.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may equate large forest area with carbon negative status and pick Canada without considering its industrial emissions. Others may think that developed countries like the United States must lead in all environmental statistics, which is not accurate in this case. It is important to recognise the unique combination of policies and geography that allows a small country like Bhutan to achieve carbon negative status.

Final Answer:
The first country recognised as being carbon negative is Bhutan.