Leading the way in sustainable travel, Costa Rica has launched an unprecedented plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050. With this exciting new initiative, the Central American country strengthens its global leadership in sustainability and fight against climate change.
The National Decarbonisation Plan outlines a road map to follow for Costa Rica to achieve zero carbon emissions in 31 years – by just 2050.
The ambitious plan features ten focus areas with very specific goals to achieve decarbonisation, broken down in four key sectors: transport and sustainable mobility; energy, green building and industry; integrated waste management; and agriculture, land use change and nature-based solutions.
There’s a lot of work of done for the goal to be reached. The plan, for instance, establishes that 100% of the country will have solutions for the collection, separation, reuse and disposal of waste by 2050.
What’s more, 100% of the public transport system will be zero emissions by that year. These ambitious measures will not only require the involvement of the Costa Rican Government and the private sector but also the whole society to make it happen.
Carlos Alvarado Quesada – Costa Rica’s President – said during the presentation of the National Decarbonisation Plan: “Decarbonisation is the great task of our generation and Costa Rica must be among the first countries to achieve it, if not the first”.
Costa Rica, which boasts 5% of the world’s biodiversity, has made important progress in “green growth” in the last few decades.
Setting an excellent example, these include 99% of the country’s energy coming from renewable sources; a national electrical grid which is currently over 95% free of carbon emissions; and an impressively low rate of deforestation.
Start the adventure: three eco-resorts to book this summer
1 Lapa Ríos, Osa Peninsula
One of the country’s very first opulent ecolodges, this special retreat has garnered critical acclaim over the years. Impeccable attention to detail, unique experiences and 1,000 acres filled frogs, macaws, endangered monkeys and over 300 bird species.
2 La Paloma Lodge, Drake Bay
The perfect blend of nature and serenity, discover a stay at La Paloma Lodge. One of Costa Rica’s most stylish properties, La Paloma Lodge sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is backed by the lush tropical jungle. It’s entirely exclusive – the 7 bungalows and 4 rooms offer pure sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with nature.
3 Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge, Osa Peninsula
Obsessed with beautiful views? Book a room at Bosque del Cabo for incredible eyefuls. Among the most spectacular of the Matapalo ecolodges, Bosque del Cabo with its 13 bungalows and three luxury houses is perched some 152m (500 ft.) above the water on more than 303 hectares (750 acres). Wake up to neatly manicured grounds, multiple nature trail and access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce. Eco-luxury has never looked so inviting.