Costa Rica pushes to go carbon neutral by 2021

By Yi Whan-woo

Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, who was elected in April and sworn into office in May, is pushing to ban fossil fuels and go carbon neutral by 2021, according to the Costa Rican Embassy in Korea.

In a recent statement, the embassy said Alvarado was confident that Costa Rica would “do everything in its capacity to make transformation a reality,” although he knew it would be a tough task removing gasoline and diesel from the transport system.

“This sends a strong message in the right direction not only within Costa Rica's borders but to other countries around world,” the embassy said.

Costa Rica is aiming to become the world's first carbon-neutral nation. It plans to use all possible means, including budgets, laws and incentives to promote biofuels, hybrid vehicles and clean energy, according to Environment and Energy Minister Roberto Dobles.

Its key strategy is “C-Neutral” aimed at certifying the reduction of carbon dioxide from certain industries such as tourism.

Under a new certification system, tourists and businesspeople will be charged a voluntary “tax” to offset their carbon emissions, with one ton of carbon valued at $10.

The money collected will be used to fund conservation, reforestation, and research in protected areas.

Meanwhile, Alvarado urged the parties to form “a national-unity government” to move forward.

A former center-left labor minister and novelist, he particularly stressed boosting education and infrastructure, improving national security and reducing the government's fiscal deficit.

“To this effect, he has drawn representatives from different parties to lead ministries and institutions and guide key sectors, understanding at the same time the importance of solidifying a collaborative relationship with the different parties in the Legislative Assembly,” the embassy said.

The President has stressed women's empowerment, with women making up more than half the Cabinet.

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Workshop Epsy Cambpell Barr is the first woman of African descent to serve as vice president in Latin America.

Costa Rica and Korea will mark the 57th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in August.

The embassy said the progressive views and common values shared by President Moon Jae-in and Alvarado “provide an auspicious opportunity to build on the current momentum to strengthen the friendship and cooperation.”