Global Emissions

Costa Rica Striving to Become the World’s First Carbon Neutral Nation By 2021

In the United States, carbon dioxide emissions are responsible for approximately 80% of
total greenhouse gas emissions. China and the U.S. are by far the world’s biggest two individual
culprits of global emissions, representing over a quarter of the damage we’re collectively
inflicting upon the Earth’s environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are responsible for raising
global temperatures, altering weather patterns, and threatening several of the world’s coastal
communities with constantly rising sea levels. As a compound, carbon dioxide emissions are
particularly harmful as they remain in the environment for a length of 50 to 200 years. We’re not
only killing the planet, but killing ourselves directly, as more carbon dioxide in the air is proven
to increase difficulty breathing due to the displacement of oxygen
Costa Rica has consistently carried more than their fair share of the weight in their
persistent efforts to save the world. If all the other nations were to take notes from such a
determined, innovative place, we would undoubtedly be much further ahead in our preservation
efforts as a whole.
Back in 2012, Costa Rica officially embarked on one of the most ambitious
environmental projects in history. Former president Oscar Arias spearheaded a plan to become
completely carbon neutral by 2021 by vastly reducing emissions and compensating private
companies. Today, his initial goal has been converted into a three-part plan in achieving full
carbon neutrality.
Kuwar Chopra
ENGL 110- 155
Costa Rica’s pledge to become 100% carbon neutral by 2021 are ambitious, but unlikely
to be achieved on the timetable outlined by President Carlos Alvarado. Prior to my research, I
felt that decarbonization was attainable due to the thorough vision outlined by Costa Rican
government. As I was reading through the opinions of leading experts and environmentalists, I
became increasingly skeptical about their odds of eliminating all carbon emissions. Though
many agricultural industries in Costa Rica are taking notable steps in their total reliance on
renewable energy, the booming growth of the transportation industry is proving to be
counterproductive.
Earlier this year, new Costa Rican president Carlos Alvarado doubled down on the sixyear-
old pledge stating, “Decarbonization is the great task of our generation and Costa Rica must
be one of the first countries to accomplish it, if not the first,” during his inauguration speech.
Alvarado’s speech made headlines and many media outlets misinterpreted has words as declaring
a new ban on fossil fuels. In actuality, there are no plans to enforce carbon neutrality by passing
any sorts of legislation. They believe that the necessary shift will take place by providing a
plethora of incentives for businesses and urging consumers to consistently choose greener
options.
Despite being a smaller country compared to many of the world’s powers, Costa Rica has
always made a noticeable mark as a leader in climate change initiatives. The tiny nation is
famous for not having any sort of military, but now it is also known for being home to the
world’s first three carbon neutral coffee companies. In addition, there are some carbon neutral
banana, pineapple, and cattle producers who have emerged on to the scene. The progression in
these fields is particularly notable as agriculture, forestry, and other land use accounts for about a
quarter of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Kuwar Chopra
ENGL 110- 155
In order for carbon neutrality to be achieved in Costa Rica by 2021, or at any date in the
future, the bulk of responsibility lies on the backs of corporations. The decarbonization goal has
inspired companies to introduce innovative techniques involving waste reuse to significantly
lessen total emissions. The choice to have greener operations and production processes requires
vision, research, and a long-standing commitment to the greater good.
Many companies have begun to take advantage of the marketing benefits that come along
with branding themselves as “carbon neutral” as well. Society is become more and more aware
of the impending ramifications from climate change, and consumers want to see environmental
ethics and responsibility.
Peter Laderach, climate specialist at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture
comments, “Eventually companies may have to show their carbon footprint as they do with
nutritional values.”
Though Costa Rica is renowned for their environmentalism on the global stage, many
people feel that the country is failing to reap all the economic benefits that come with their
initiatives. Congressman Marco Quiros Redondo, who plans to work in agriculture at the
conclusion of his political career, says that Costa Rica should be doing way more to distinguish
their carbon neutral coffees and other products on the global stage. Redondo says, “We’ve put so
much focus on becoming carbon neutral or creating products that are produced responsibly, but
there hasn’t been enough emphasis on creating a global market and presenting our goods with a
different vision.” If that were the case, “Costa Rican producers could charge far more for the
environmental benefits of their exports” Redondo explains. Many people feel that Costa Rica has
several more steps to take commercially, despite being home to Coopedota, the world’s first
carbon neutral coffee producer.
Kuwar Chopra
ENGL 110- 155
The increased focus on a “green” world may be enough to spur Costa Rica to their lofty
goal, but I don’t know if the effects will be seen soon enough to keep good on President
Alvarado’s word.
As the months ago by in 2018, Costa Rica currently lays in phase three of the
decarbonization mission. In this final phase (2018-2021) officials are placing a primary emphasis
on advanced energy and a more efficient use of electricity across the board. The government also
knows that influencing businesses is a major key in the chances of their plan.
Other countries are taking a page out of Costa Rica’s book in their implementation of
carbon neutral companies. In China, Sri Lanka, and India companies have begun producing zero
emission teas. The United Kingdom has followed suit in hoping to achieve zero net emissions by
2050. The Netherlands and Germany have similar goals, but Germany in particular is struggling
to reach its reduction objective by 2020.
As I began to take a more critical look at the chances of Costa Rica achieving carbon
neutrality by their bicentennial celebration in 2021, a number of factors played into my
heightened skepticism. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that Costa Rica’s objective, though
noble, is not possible by 2021 because of economic constraints.
Even with all the agricultural advances being made the transportation industry has only
grown as the most formidable foe standing in the way of decarbonization.
In 2016, there were twice as many cars registered as babies that were born in the country.
By and large, these cars are only contributing to increased long term emissions. This dynamic
stands in direct contrast with their goals of decarbonization. Until all of these new
automobiles are converted from largely gas and diesel sources, it will be hard for President
Alvarado to keep good on his word within the next two to three years.
Kuwar Chopra
ENGL 110- 155
To be fair, Costa Rica is combatting the challenge presented by transportation by
presenting incentives for cleaner vehicles, electric cars to be specific. The battle is almost
completely uphill as over two thirds of Costa Rican emissions are the results of transportation.
As much as the passion and creativity of Costa Rican scientists, thought leaders, and
business owners has inspired their homeland and the entire world, taking a look at the cold, hard
numbers provided me with a potent reality check.
Currently, Costa Rica emits approximately 15 million metric tons of CO2 annually. By
2021, experts predict that number will only rise to a total of around 21.7 million tons. In order
for the goal to be on target, emissions need to drop by around 6-7 million tons per year, an
astronomical figure, at the end of the day.
Officials are pushing for a widespread shift to fuel efficient options, including new zero emission
buses and taxis.
In an incentive effort to drive down costs, taxes have been lifted on electric vehicles to
encourage a widespread change. Still, 22% of Costa Rica’s revenue comes from taxes on fossil
fuels, meaning that a switch to cleaner cars could ultimately be counterproductive to the
country’s ever-rising deficit.
Despite the considerable odds against achieving complete decarbonization by 2021, the
commitment towards carbon-neutrality is a massive triumph in itself, that will ultimately pay off
for the entire world. Many other countries such as Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, and Iceland
have taken behind Costa Rica’s lead with their own pledges for carbon neutrality. It pays to be
bold, and the failures of others tend to be followed by collective success.
Kuwar Chopra
ENGL 110- 155
MLA Citations
1) Embury-Dennis, Tom. “Costa Rica to Ban Fossil Fuels and Become World’s First
Decarbonised Society.” The Independent, 10 May 2018, www.independent.co.uk/environment/costarica-
fossil-fuels-ban-president-carlos-alvarado-clima te-change-global-warming-a8344541.html.
2) Hare, Sophie. “Costa Rica coffee farmers brew up a carbon neutral future.” Reuters, 21
May 2018,
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-costa-rica-coffee-carbonneutral/costa-rica-coffee-farmers-bre wup-
a-carbon-neutral-future-idUSKCN1IN04G
3) Hickman, Matt. “Costa Rica poised to become world’s first fossil fuel-free country.”
Mother Nature Network, 11 May 2018,
https://www.mnn.com/green-tech/transportation/blogs/costa-rica-poised-become-worlds-first-fos silfuel-
free-country
4) Moro, Robert Dobles. “Costa Rica’s Commitment: On The Path To Becoming Carbon-
Neutral | UN Chronicle.” United Nations, United Nations, June 2007,
unchronicle.un.org/article/costa-rica-s-commitment-path-becoming-carbon-neutral.
5) Eulich, Whitney. “How a Costa Rica Coffee Collective Went Carbon Neutral.” The
Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2018,
www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2018/0205/How-a-Costa-Rica-coffee-collective-went-carbo nneutral.
6) Irfan, Umair. “Costa Rica Has an Ambitious New Climate Policy – but No, It’s Not
Banning Fossil Fuels.” Vox, Vox, 17 July 2018,
www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/7/17/17568190/costa-rica-renewable-energy-fossilfuels-
transportation.

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