Mercedes Mullins
Costa Rica has become a leader in the transition away from fossil fuels, with its government taking steps to promote biofuels, hybrid vehicles, and clean energy. In 2015, Costa Rica sourced 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric power, and achieved an almost completely carbon-neutral footprint. In 2017, Costa Rica's population of 4.9 million people ran entirely on renewable energy power for 75 consecutive days. The country has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2021 and is taking steps to end fossil fuel exploration and production. Costa Rica's president, Carlos Alvarado, has announced a plan to ban fossil fuels and become the world's first fully decarbonized country. While there are challenges, such as the growing demand for cars and the lack of infrastructure for clean transport, Costa Rica's efforts have gained international support and recognition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuel consumption in 2014 | 49.48% |
| Fossil fuel consumption in 2009 | 64% |
| Electricity consumption in 2009 | 22% |
| Population with access to electricity | 99.5% |
| Sources of energy | Hydroelectric power, geothermal, wind, biomass, solar |
| Support for climate action | 80% |
| Carbon neutrality goal | 2021 |
| Renewable energy in 2016 | 98.1% |
| Renewable energy in 2015 | 100% for 75 days |
| Renewable energy in 2014 | 99% |
| Fossil fuel ban | In progress |
| Fossil fuel-free future | Possible |
| Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty signatories | 7 municipalities |
| Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance | Costa Rica and Denmark |
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What You'll Learn
Costa Rica's transport sector
Costa Rica has made significant strides towards becoming fossil fuel-free, and its transport sector plays a crucial role in this transition. The country has recognised the importance of reducing emissions from transportation, which accounts for a substantial portion of its total carbon dioxide emissions.
In 2018, Costa Rica's president, Carlos Alvarado, announced an ambitious plan to eliminate fossil fuels and become the world's first fully decarbonised country. This included a specific focus on ending fossil fuel use in the transport sector by 2021, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Costa Rican independence. The country aimed to promote electric vehicles, biofuels, hybrid cars, and hydrogen vehicles, while also encouraging a greater reliance on public transportation.
However, the transition in the transport sector has faced challenges. The demand for cars in Costa Rica is rising, and the clean transport market is underdeveloped. There is a lack of infrastructure, competence, affordable prices, and waste management strategies, which could hinder progress. Nonetheless, Costa Rica has taken steps to address these issues and promote sustainable alternatives.
To support the transition to a lower-carbon transport sector, Costa Rica has implemented various measures. These include promoting biofuels and hybrid vehicles, partnering with companies like the Ad Astra Rocket Company to research hydrogen technologies for transportation, and encouraging the use of public transport. Additionally, Costa Rica has invested in social programs and renewable energy generation, utilising its abundant river systems and rainfall for hydroelectric power.
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The Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery
RECOPE focuses its operations on importing and distributing fossil fuels in Costa Rica. However, it also has an experimental plant for biodiesel and works with public universities and research centres to develop alternative fuels like biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen. In 2011, RECOPE signed a partnership with an American rocket propulsion company, Ad Astra Rocket Company, to research hydrogen technologies for the transport sector.
Despite RECOPE's focus on fossil fuels, Costa Rica has made significant strides towards becoming fossil fuel-free. In 2017, the country's 4.9 million people ran entirely on renewable energy power for 75 days straight, a feat also accomplished for 110 consecutive days in 2016. In 2018, Costa Rica's president announced a plan to ban fossil fuels and become the world's first decarbonised country. While some experts believe that eliminating fossil fuels entirely within a few years is unrealistic, Costa Rica's push towards clean energy faces no large-scale backlash, as the country has no significant oil or gas industry.
Costa Rica's biggest obstacle to carbon neutrality is the transportation sector, which consumes 70% of the petroleum used in the nation and accounts for 40% of total carbon emissions. However, the government is beginning to propose initiatives for hybrid and electric vehicles, and the country receives about 65% of its energy from hydroelectric plants.
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The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The treaty emerged from public calls by academics and activists, including Peter Newell and Andrew Simms from the University of Sussex, who emphasised the necessity of addressing the root cause of the climate crisis. They argued that while emissions reduction targets are crucial, they fall short if fossil fuel production continues unabated. The initiative gained momentum with endorsements from Pacific Island nations, notably Vanuatu and Tuvalu, and has since garnered support from a growing bloc of 15 to 16 nation-states, the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, Nobel laureates, academics, researchers, and activists.
A key component of the initiative is the development of a Global Registry of Fossil Fuels, which will provide standardised, comprehensive, and transparent data on fossil fuel reserves. This registry will enable countries to negotiate and hold each other accountable for pledged cuts in fossil fuel production. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty offers a framework for international cooperation, ensuring that countries work together towards a common goal of reducing their reliance on coal, oil, and gas while transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
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Costa Rica's green economy
Costa Rica has been making significant strides towards becoming fossil fuel-free and developing a green economy. In 2015, the country achieved an almost entirely carbon-neutral footprint in electricity sourcing, with 99% of its electricity derived from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric power. This trend continued in 2016, with renewable energy supplying about 98.1% of the country's electrical energy output. Costa Rica's success in reducing fossil fuel consumption is partly due to its elimination of the military in 1948, freeing up government funds for investment in social programs and renewable energy initiatives.
Costa Rica's push for clean energy is driven by its government and supported by its citizens. The government has implemented various measures, including promoting biofuels, hybrid vehicles, and clean energy technologies. Additionally, the country has introduced a "C-Neutral" levy to certify that ecotourism and industrial practices offset their carbon emissions. This levy will fund conservation, reforestation, and research initiatives. Costa Rica's president, Carlos Alvarado, has been a strong advocate for decarbonization, stating that it is the "great task of our generation."
However, Costa Rica faces challenges in its transition away from fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation sector. The demand for cars is rising, and transport is the country's main source of climate-changing emissions. To address this, Costa Rica is promoting the use of electric vehicles, biofuels, and hybrid cars, as well as encouraging a greater reliance on public transportation. The country is also investing in research and development of alternative fuels, such as biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen, through partnerships with universities and research centers.
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The role of disinformation
Costa Rica has made significant strides towards becoming fossil fuel-free. In 2017, the country ran entirely on renewable energy for 75 consecutive days. In 2016, renewable energy sources supplied about 98.1% of the country's electrical energy output. However, despite these impressive achievements, Costa Rica still faces challenges due to increasing commercial energy consumption and a growing demand for transport.
Additionally, the fossil fuel industry engages in sophisticated disinformation campaigns to protect its interests. These campaigns utilise various tactics, such as funding community initiatives to create a positive image and dependence on the industry, promoting narratives of national security and economic stability, and disseminating false claims through commissioned studies. The industry has influenced media coverage and spread misinformation, making it challenging for journalists and the public to discern facts and trust climate-related information.
Disinformation can lead to scepticism and delay action towards a fossil fuel-free future. Costa Rica's President, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, acknowledges that disinformation is a threat to the country's progress. However, he remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of transformation, highlighting Costa Rica's achievements in areas such as universal healthcare and reforestation.
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Frequently asked questions
Costa Rica has already achieved a lot in terms of sustainability and renewable energy. In 2015, 99% of its electricity was sourced from renewable energy, and for 75 days that year, 100% of its electrical energy was derived from renewable sources. In 2016, renewable energy supplied 98.1% of the country's electrical energy output, and in mid-2016, 100% renewable energy was achieved for 110 consecutive days. Costa Rica has also launched a "Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance" (BOGA) with Denmark, aiming to end fossil fuel exploration and production within member countries.
The transport industry is a significant challenge to Costa Rica's goal of becoming fossil fuel-free. Demand for cars is rising, and transport is the country's main source of climate-changing emissions, accounting for more than two-thirds of energy-related emissions. Additionally, the country's commercial consumption of energy has tripled from 1980 to 2009, and fossil fuel consumption has increased by 2.4 times due to a growing number of motor vehicles.
By focusing on renewable energy and sustainability, Costa Rica has achieved a better life expectancy than U.S. citizens and has become an upper-middle-income country with a green economy. The country has also gained international recognition and support for its efforts, with its leadership in the transition away from fossil fuels acknowledged globally.
The Costa Rican government has implemented various measures to promote biofuels, hybrid vehicles, and clean energy. They have also introduced a "C-Neutral" levy to certify that ecotourism and industrial practices offset their carbon emissions. Additionally, the government has offset the country's carbon dioxide emissions with new budgeting, laws, and incentives, and the elimination of the military in 1948 has freed up funds for investment in social programs and renewable energy generation.
