Have you heard the news? Costa Rica has announced an aggressive goal to be carbon neutral – in 13 years!
Through a joint government and private enterprise effort, Costa Rica aims to have zero output of carbon emissions by:
- using biofuels
- improving energy efficiency
- encouraging use of hybrid vehicles; and
- reducing agricultural burn-offs
One interesting strategy Costa Rica plants to employ is the “C-Neutral label to certify that tourism and certain industrial practices mitigate all of the carbon dioxide they emit.
Under the new certification system, tourists and businesses will be charged a voluntary “tax†to offset their carbon emissions, with one ton of carbon valued at $10, according to La Nación. The money will be used to fund conservation, reforestation, and research in protected areas. To augment the development of C-Neutral, the country is cultivating a carbon certificate market that aims to not only boost carbon capture and storage in the nation’s forests, but also help maintain their scenic beauty.” [Source]
Talk about an ambitious goal. I commend you, Costa Rica.
The Eco Preservation Society is proud to be associated with the efforts of the Costa Rican government. We feel this is a very noble cause.
Costa Rica is also a leader in Carbon Neutral Travel and Vacations. There are many companies and many options for responsible travel within Costa Rica. Costa Rica is certainly a world leader in Environmental issues.