Costa Rica: A Leader in Sustainability and Environmental Protection
The United Nations has awarded Costa Rica a 2019 Champions of the Earth award, the organization’s highest environmental honour. This recognition underscores the country’s significant strides in environmental protection and sustainability.
Achievements in Renewable Energy
The country was recognized in the policy leadership category for its “role in the protection of nature and its commitment to ambitious policies to combat climate change.” Costa Rica has made sustainability targets a top priority, creating a plan to decarbonize its economy. This ambitious plan aims to ensure that by 2050, the country will produce no more emissions than it can offset through measures such as expanding its forests, aligning closely with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Moreover, the UN highlights that over 98% of Costa Rica’s energy already comes from renewable sources, with a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. The country made headlines in 2017 after operating for 300 days solely on renewable power, setting a remarkable precedent for sustainable energy practices.
Recognition and Future Goals
The award bestowed upon Costa Rica signifies that sustainability is not only achievable but also economically viable. Recognizing leaders like Costa Rica is crucial in drawing attention to the pressing need for global solutions to climate change.
“Climate change demands urgent and transformative action from all of us. With its ambitious plans to decarbonize the economy, Costa Rica is rising to that challenge,” stated Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN environment programme. She emphasized that “Global emissions are reaching record levels, and we must act now to transition to cleaner, more resilient economies.”
Conclusion
Costa Rica continues to lead the way in environmental protection and sustainability efforts, serving as a model for other nations. As the country progresses towards its ambitious goals, it showcases that comprehensive steps can indeed yield significant outcomes in combating climate change.
