Does Costa Rica have a commitment to reducing emissions?

Many countries have promised to do the same—reducing emissions is a key commitment of signatories to the Paris Climate Agreement —but Costa Rica is one of the first to turn pledges into solid policies and to frame the shift in terms of economic and social benefit.

Will Costa Rica decarbonize the economy?

Costa Rica’s government says it is going to decarbonize the economy because it makes economic and social sense, a statement that challenges the oft-quoted trope that fighting climate change will cost jobs and stifle development. Costa Rica’s message is that sustainability and growth can—and must—go hand-in-hand.

Does Costa Rica need a decarbonization plan?

Costa Rica’s message is that sustainability and growth can—and must—go hand-in-hand. “The decarbonization plan consists of maintaining an upward curve in terms of economic growth and at the same time generating a downward curve in the use of fossil fuels, in order to stop polluting,” said President Carlos Alvarado Quesada.

Who will be affected by Costa Rica's green development plan?

Among the institutions that will be affected are the Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and the Public Transportation Council. With this bold plan, Costa Rica is keen to show the world that clean and green development is possible and profitable.

What role does Costa Rica play in international climate talks?

Costa Rica is also stepping up to take a key role in international climate talks, co-leading the UN Climate Change Conference COP25 in Santiago in December. Chile is the formal head of the process, but Costa Rica will have a pivotal role in the drive to get states to commit to more ambitious targets.