In the last few years, Costa Rica has made significant strides toward developing protecting and maintaining the local delicate ecosystem and massive biodiversity for which the country has become so well known. Much of those practices have been based on sustainable building practices. Recently, San Jose hosted the World Green Building Council during the World Sustainable Construction Week. During the event, attendees learned about available sustainable building techniques that can be implemented in Costa Rica. A variety of lectures was presented, including topics related to challenges posed in the reduction of waste. At the heart of the conference was the question of whether Costa Rica can truly become carbon neutral by the year 2021. Although it may sound somewhat futuristic, that goal is actually not so far away.
The goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2021 in Costa Rica was originally established by Nobel Prize winner President Oscar Arias in early 2008. Since then, the small but ambitious country has established the goal of becoming carbon neutral as a national priority. As part of the plan to transition to a carbon neutral state, Costa Rica planned to design a climate change strategy.
Costa Rica was among the first developed countries to accept the challenge of becoming carbon neutral. In fact, Costa Rica became dedicated to becoming carbon neutral long before countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Around the world, many other countries are waiting for Costa Rica to set the precedent by establishing laws that would set the path for achieving the necessary social and financial change required for becoming carbon neutral.
Since establishing a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2021, Costa Rica has moved forward with implementing significant changes. For instance, Costa Rica has already combined the ministries of environment and energy. Almost all of the country's electrical energy is now derived from renewable sources. Costa Rica is provided with hydroelectric power via the Arenal Dam, while massive municipal windmills also work to generate electricity.
Transportation has remained a challenge with the plan of becoming carbon neutral by 2021. Progress is being made, however. For instance, the airline Nature Air became the first airline in not only Costa Rica but also the world to become carbon neutral. Since then, Sansa has followed suit. Numerous tour operators are now also making efforts to become carbon neutral. Among the ways that such companies are working to contribute toward this goal is by planting trees in an effort to offset the amount of carbon they use. Since implementing such strategies, Costa Rica has been able to reverse deforestation. Compared to two decades ago, forest in Costa Rica covers almost twice as much land as it once did.
The World Green Building Council continues to work diligently in Costa Rica with developers and companies to achieve the goal of becoming completely carbon neutral by 2021. With such a strong commitment, Costa Rica is well on the path toward becoming carbon neutral.
