Costa Rica’s Mission to Becoming Carbon Neutral
- Safora Noor
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Written by: Sheryl Rubio-Santos
Costa Rica has long been recognized as a global leader in environmental protection, celebrated for safeguarding its biodiverse biomes and active volcanoes. Today, the country is taking its commitment even further with an ambitious mission: to become the world’s first carbon-neutral nation. Thus far, the country has already made major progress, generating approximately 95–98% of its electricity from renewable sources.
In 2019, the government launched the National Decarbonization Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050 ensuring the country produces no more greenhouse gas emissions than it can offset. With this initiative, Costa Rica aims not only to transform its own energy systems but also to serve as a global model for sustainable development and renewable energy adoption.
That is only the start of the country’s ambitious plans. Costa Rica made early and deliberate investments in renewable energy, placing sustainability at the center of national policy. Hydropower plays the most significant role, supported by heavy rainfall and major infrastructure projects such as the Reventazón Dam, the largest hydroelectric plant in Central America. In addition, the country draws energy from a diverse mix of geothermal power generated by volcanoes, wind farms, biomass, and solar installations. Beyond energy production, Costa Rica has enacted strong environmental protections, including bans on single-use plastic bags and straws, open-pit mining, and trawl fishing. Large portions of land and marine areas are also protected to preserve ecosystems and wildlife.
Despite these impressive achievements, Costa Rica still faces substantial challenges on its path to carbon neutrality. Transportation remains the country’s largest source of emissions, accounting for roughly 40% of climate-related pollution. To address this, Costa Rica plans to transition 70% of public buses and taxis to clean energy alternatives by 2035, with the goal of achieving a fully emission-free public transportation system by 2050. However, these transitions require significant financial investment and consistent international support resources that are not always readily available. Additionally, recurring droughts have occasionally forced the country to rely on fossil fuels as backup power, underscoring the urgent need for improved energy storage systems. Pollution from foreign countries like the US and China also negatively impact Costa Rica, hindering any substantial progress.
Even with these obstacles, Costa Rica continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to sustainability. One recent example is the expansion of its Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Program, including Marine PES pilots that support mangrove conservation, recognize untitled land (benefiting Indigenous communities), and strengthen biodiversity protection. These initiatives not only preserve natural habitats but also enhance carbon storage and climate resilience.
Through bold policies, long-term investment, and innovative environmental programs, Costa Rica stands as a powerful example of what is possible when sustainability becomes a national priority. Its journey toward carbon neutrality offers valuable lessons and inspiration for countries around the world striving for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Sources:
Comments