Lex Mundi Global Climate Change Guide |
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Costa Rica |
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(Latin America/Caribbean)
Firm
Facio & Cañas
Contributors
Sergio Solera |
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| Has your country signed/ratified the Paris Agreement? If so, what is its INDC / NDC? | Yes, Costa Rica ratified the Paris Agreement in October 2016. It was published in the official newspaper on October 6, 2016: https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2016/10/06/ALCA211_06_10_2016.pdf Summary of the INDC of Costa Rica: Costa Rica updated 2020 the INDC and now is committed to a maximum of 9,110,000 tCO2eq net emissions by 2030 and zero for 2050[JPLR1] These numbers are consistent with the necessary global path to comply with 1,5 degrees Celsius goal. Costa Rica also reported an adaptation contribution. The full INDC is in the following link: https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Contribucion-Nacionalmente-Determinada-de-Costa-Rica-2020-Version-Completa.pdf?x86097
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| What are the key national policy instruments regarding climate change and what are the national long term greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction targets? | The following are the main national policy instruments regarding climate change: National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050. The Plan offers a roadmap to promote the modernization of the Costa Rican economy, generate jobs and boost its growth from a model based on the generation of 3D services: decarbonized, digitized and decentralized in electricity production. In addition, the Plan will be used as the basis for the construction of three more initiatives: the National Development and Public Investment Plan (2018-2022) and the Costa Rica 2050 Strategic Plan (Long Term Strategy). More details in the following links (websites in Spanish): https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/ https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf Country Programme on Carbon Neutrality. Costa Rica’s Public-Private Collaboration ‘Programa País’ is a voluntary program through which organizations may be awarded a C-Neutral Certification after submitting to an emissions assessment based on agreed standards and a reduction activities evaluation. It was established in 2012 by the MINAE to develop capacities in national organizations and strengthen the quality of greenhouse gas inventories. It is based on the national norm INTE 12-01- 06:2011 which in turn is based on the international ISO 14065 and ISO 14064. In order to acquire the C-Neutrality label, businesses need to follow specific guidelines – such as determining their carbon footprint, developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gases, and offsetting their remaining emissions. For more information, visit the following link(website in Spanish): https://www.namacafe.org/en/costa-ricas-climate-change-strategy National long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets in accordance with the National Decarbonization Plan: 2025: stabilize the growth of motorcycle purchases and adopt variables to favor motorcycle sales with zero emissions. 2035: 25% of the vehicle fleet will be electric. 2050: 100% of the sales of new light vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles and 60% of the light vehicle fleet - private and public - will be zero emissions. 2022: The country will have a public inventory on the emissions of the fleet of cargo vehicles. In addition, pilot plans will be put in place to increase truck efficiency by improving transport logistics. 2050: At least 50% of freight transport will be highly efficient and will have reduced emissions by 20% compared to 2018 emissions. 2030: The country's electricity matrix must operate 100% with renewable energy. 2050: Electricity will be the primary energy source for the transportation, residential, commercial and industrial sector. 2030: 100% of new commercial, residential and institutional buildings will be designed and built adopting resilience systems and low emission technologies. 2050: 100% of commercial, residential and institutional buildings will operate with low emission standards, also implementing the use of renewable energy in cooking and hot water processes. 2030: There will be a strategy and commercial models of integral design that consider the necessary actions to mitigate and assume responsibility for the impact of a product from its birth, distribution and subsequent disposal. 2050: The industrial sector will rely more on low-emission energy sources. 2022: There will be a Strategy and National Plan for Better Technology Options to reduce methane emissions from organic waste. 2030: Costa Rica will have a citizen and business culture aimed at a lower generation of waste and its successful management. 2050: 100% of the territory will have solutions for the collection, separation, reuse and disposal of waste. 2050: At least 50% of freight transport will be highly efficient and will have reduced emissions by 20% compared to 2018 emissions. 2050: National producers will have adopted the most advanced technology in accordance with standards of sustainability, competitiveness and low emissions. 2030: Increase forest cover of Costa Rica to 60% to consolidate biological areas and increase the availability of green areas for recreation. More details on the following websites (information in Spanish): https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/ https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf The Ministry of Environment and Energy, through its 'Department of Climate Change', is responsible for promoting climate change initiatives in Costa Rica. Please visit https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/ for more details. |
| Have national policies or legislation been adopted limiting or prohibiting the use of certain fossil fuels (e.g. coal, natural gas, nuclear)? | Yes, these issues are covered by the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050. One of the strategic axes of this plan is to progressively transform the country's vehicle fleet from light fossil-fueled cars to zero-emission vehicles and promote autonomous shared car business models. The country intends to implement an extensive electric recharge network throughout the country with complementary infrastructure for zero-emission technologies, for example, hydrogen stations. Costa Rica has a "Bicycle Mobility and Safety Law" since April 2019. This law promotes and regulates the use of the bicycle as a means of transport, work and recreation, to benefit health and reduce the use of fossil fuels in transport. More information at (website in Spanish): https://www.ambientum.com/ambientum/cambio-climatico/costa-rica-combustibles-fosiles.asp
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| What specific national climate change legislation has been adopted? |
Additional information in the following links (websites in Spanish): National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/ https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf National Climate Change Adaptation Policy 2018-2030: https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Pol%C3%ADtica-Nacional-de-Adaptaci%C3%B3n-al-Cambio-Clim%C3%A1tico.pdf Management system to demonstrate C-Neutrality - No 70-2011-MINAET: http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=71287&nValor3=86469&strTipM=TC Considerations on a Voluntary Domestic Carbon Market in Costa Rica: https://www.undp.org/content/dam/costa_rica/docs/undp_cr_Mercado_Domestico_Carbono_CR%20.pdf |
| Does your country participate in an international or national GHG emissions trading scheme? | No available information. |
| Has a national CO2 tax or similar instrument been adopted? | There is no similar tax or instrument adopted in Costa Rica. |
| Does national legislation regulate and/or subsidize carbon capture and storage (CCS)? | No available information. |
| Are the production and/or use of renewable energy sources subject to a national subsidy or similar support scheme? | No available information. However, something particular and remarkable about Costa Rica is that during the last five years, consecutively, the country exceeds 98% of renewable energy generation. This production comes mainly from water, wind, geothermal energy, biomass and the sun. This has meant for the country a saving of more than US $ 482.4 million during the last 20 years, by avoiding the generation of energy from fossil fuels. Additional information in the following links (Spanish websites): |
| What are the main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions / improve energy efficiency in the built environment? | Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: Strategic axis: Develop buildings for commercial, residential and institutional use under high efficiency and low emission standards. Related Goals:
Strategic axis: Develop an integrated waste management system based on separation, reuse, revaluation and final disposal of maximum efficiency and low emissions. Related Goals:
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| What are the main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions / improve energy efficiency in the transport sector? | Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: Strategic axis: Develop a public transport system (buses, taxis and fast passenger train) and safe shared mobility powered by clean energy (without emissions) and efficient enough to make the use of private cars less attractive. The country intends an increase of at least 10% of non-motorized mobilizations. Related Goals:
Strategic axis: Progressively transform the country's vehicular fleet of light fossil-fueled cars to zero-emission vehicles, and promote autonomous shared car business models. Related Goals:
Strategic axis: Reduce the environmental impact of freight transport in the country, favoring the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and low-carbon vehicles. Related Goals:
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| What are the main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions / improve energy efficiency in the industry? | Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: Strategic axis: Modernize the industrial sector through the application of electrical, sustainable and more efficient processes. Related Goals:
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| What are the main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions / improve energy efficiency in agriculture and land use? | Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: Strategic axis: Consolidation of a management model for rural, urban and coastal territories that facilitates the protection of biodiversity, the increase and maintenance of forest cover and ecosystem services based on nature-based solutions. Related Goals:
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| What are the main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions / improve energy efficiency in the electricity production sector? | Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050: Strategic axis: Consolidate a national electricity system capable of supplying and managing renewable energy at a competitive cost for users. Improve the efficient management of customers and territories by digitizing institutional and commercial processes. Related Goals:
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| What measures are national financial institutions (incl. banks, pension funds, asset management companies and insurance companies) aimed at reducing the GHG emissions of their customers? | No available information. |
| Are there prominent national climate change litigation cases in your country? If so please provide a short description (e.g. plaintiffs/defendants, public or civil law based, etc.). | There is a recent case related to a mining project that was intended to be developed in the northern part of the country by a Canadian-owned company. Politicians and state entities involved. The project was questioned for several reasons, including environmental issues, for possible negative impacts on forest areas and soils. Suggested keywords for more information on the Internet: 'Crucitas Case Costa Rica' or ‘Caso Crucitas Costa Rica’ (different interests, opinions and positions regarding this case). |
| Climate change policies, measures or legislation (other than those covered by the questions above) | The most relevant documents have been mentioned in this first report. |
Lex Mundi Global Climate Change Guide
Costa Rica
(Latin America/Caribbean) Firm Facio & CañasContributors Sergio Solera
Updated 30 Apr 2021Yes, Costa Rica ratified the Paris Agreement in October 2016. It was published in the official newspaper on October 6, 2016:
https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2016/10/06/ALCA211_06_10_2016.pdf
Summary of the INDC of Costa Rica:
Costa Rica updated 2020 the INDC and now is committed to a maximum of 9,110,000 tCO2eq net emissions by 2030 and zero for 2050[JPLR1] These numbers are consistent with the necessary global path to comply with 1,5 degrees Celsius goal.
Costa Rica also reported an adaptation contribution.
The full INDC is in the following link:
https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Contribucion-Nacionalmente-Determinada-de-Costa-Rica-2020-Version-Completa.pdf?x86097
The following are the main national policy instruments regarding climate change:
National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050. The Plan offers a roadmap to promote the modernization of the Costa Rican economy, generate jobs and boost its growth from a model based on the generation of 3D services: decarbonized, digitized and decentralized in electricity production. In addition, the Plan will be used as the basis for the construction of three more initiatives: the National Development and Public Investment Plan (2018-2022) and the Costa Rica 2050 Strategic Plan (Long Term Strategy).
More details in the following links (websites in Spanish):
https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/
https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf
Country Programme on Carbon Neutrality. Costa Rica’s Public-Private Collaboration ‘Programa País’ is a voluntary program through which organizations may be awarded a C-Neutral Certification after submitting to an emissions assessment based on agreed standards and a reduction activities evaluation. It was established in 2012 by the MINAE to develop capacities in national organizations and strengthen the quality of greenhouse gas inventories. It is based on the national norm INTE 12-01- 06:2011 which in turn is based on the international ISO 14065 and ISO 14064. In order to acquire the C-Neutrality label, businesses need to follow specific guidelines – such as determining their carbon footprint, developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gases, and offsetting their remaining emissions.
For more information, visit the following link(website in Spanish):
https://www.namacafe.org/en/costa-ricas-climate-change-strategy
National long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets in accordance with the National Decarbonization Plan:
2025: stabilize the growth of motorcycle purchases and adopt variables to favor motorcycle sales with zero emissions.
2035: 25% of the vehicle fleet will be electric.
2050: 100% of the sales of new light vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles and 60% of the light vehicle fleet - private and public - will be zero emissions.
2022: The country will have a public inventory on the emissions of the fleet of cargo vehicles. In addition, pilot plans will be put in place to increase truck efficiency by improving transport logistics.
2050: At least 50% of freight transport will be highly efficient and will have reduced emissions by 20% compared to 2018 emissions.
2030: The country's electricity matrix must operate 100% with renewable energy.
2050: Electricity will be the primary energy source for the transportation, residential, commercial and industrial sector.
2030: 100% of new commercial, residential and institutional buildings will be designed and built adopting resilience systems and low emission technologies.
2050: 100% of commercial, residential and institutional buildings will operate with low emission standards, also implementing the use of renewable energy in cooking and hot water processes.
2030: There will be a strategy and commercial models of integral design that consider the necessary actions to mitigate and assume responsibility for the impact of a product from its birth, distribution and subsequent disposal.
2050: The industrial sector will rely more on low-emission energy sources.
2022: There will be a Strategy and National Plan for Better Technology Options to reduce methane emissions from organic waste.
2030: Costa Rica will have a citizen and business culture aimed at a lower generation of waste and its successful management.
2050: 100% of the territory will have solutions for the collection, separation, reuse and disposal of waste.
2050: At least 50% of freight transport will be highly efficient and will have reduced emissions by 20% compared to 2018 emissions.
2050: National producers will have adopted the most advanced technology in accordance with standards of sustainability, competitiveness and low emissions.
2030: Increase forest cover of Costa Rica to 60% to consolidate biological areas and increase the availability of green areas for recreation.
More details on the following websites (information in Spanish):
https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/
https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf
The Ministry of Environment and Energy, through its 'Department of Climate Change', is responsible for promoting climate change initiatives in Costa Rica. Please visit https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/ for more details.
Yes, these issues are covered by the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050. One of the strategic axes of this plan is to progressively transform the country's vehicle fleet from light fossil-fueled cars to zero-emission vehicles and promote autonomous shared car business models. The country intends to implement an extensive electric recharge network throughout the country with complementary infrastructure for zero-emission technologies, for example, hydrogen stations.
Costa Rica has a "Bicycle Mobility and Safety Law" since April 2019. This law promotes and regulates the use of the bicycle as a means of transport, work and recreation, to benefit health and reduce the use of fossil fuels in transport. More information at (website in Spanish):
https://www.ambientum.com/ambientum/cambio-climatico/costa-rica-combustibles-fosiles.asp
- Political Constitution of Costa Rica (Section 50 - "All individuals have the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment").
- Organic Law of the Environment No. 7554 (framework law on environmental matters).
- Forest Law No. 7575.
- Law of Regulation of the Rational Use of Energy N. 7447.
- Organic Law of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications No. 7152 and its Regulation No. 35669-MINAE.
- Law of the National System for Quality No. 8279.
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ratified by Costa Rica.
- Kyoto Protocol. Ratified by Costa Rica.
- Central American Convention on Climate Change. Ratified by Costa Rica.
- Convention on Ecosystem Conservation and Forest Plantations (regional level). Ratified by Costa Rica.
- Multilateral Environmental Agreements of Rotterdam, Basel, Stockholm, Montreal and Vienna.
- National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050.
- National Climate Change Adaptation Policy 2018-2030.
- Standard of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications: "Management system to demonstrate C-Neutrality". No 70-2011-MINAET.
Additional information in the following links (websites in Spanish):
National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
https://presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2019/02/sintesis-plan-nacional-de-descarbonizacion-2018-2050/
https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plan-Nacional-de-Descarbonizaci%C3%B3n.pdf
National Climate Change Adaptation Policy 2018-2030:
https://cambioclimatico.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Pol%C3%ADtica-Nacional-de-Adaptaci%C3%B3n-al-Cambio-Clim%C3%A1tico.pdf
Management system to demonstrate C-Neutrality - No 70-2011-MINAET:
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=71287&nValor3=86469&strTipM=TC
Considerations on a Voluntary Domestic Carbon Market in Costa Rica:
https://www.undp.org/content/dam/costa_rica/docs/undp_cr_Mercado_Domestico_Carbono_CR%20.pdf
No available information.
There is no similar tax or instrument adopted in Costa Rica.
No available information.
No available information. However, something particular and remarkable about Costa Rica is that during the last five years, consecutively, the country exceeds 98% of renewable energy generation. This production comes mainly from water, wind, geothermal energy, biomass and the sun.
This has meant for the country a saving of more than US $ 482.4 million during the last 20 years, by avoiding the generation of energy from fossil fuels.
Additional information in the following links (Spanish websites):
Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
Strategic axis: Develop buildings for commercial, residential and institutional use under high efficiency and low emission standards.
Related Goals:
- 2030: 100% of new commercial, residential and institutional buildings will be designed and built adopting resilience systems and low emission technologies.
- 2050: 100% of commercial, residential and institutional buildings will operate with low emission standards, also implementing the use of renewable energy in cooking and hot water processes.
Strategic axis: Develop an integrated waste management system based on separation, reuse, revaluation and final disposal of maximum efficiency and low emissions.
Related Goals:
- 2022: There will be a Strategy and National Plan for Better Technology Options to reduce methane emissions from organic waste.
- 2030: Costa Rica will have a citizen and business culture aimed at a lower generation of waste and its successful management.
- 2050: 100% of the territory will have solutions for the collection, separation, reuse and disposal of waste.
Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
Strategic axis: Develop a public transport system (buses, taxis and fast passenger train) and safe shared mobility powered by clean energy (without emissions) and efficient enough to make the use of private cars less attractive. The country intends an increase of at least 10% of non-motorized mobilizations.
Related Goals:
- 2035: 70% of buses and taxis will be zero emissions and the fast passenger train will operate 100% electric.
- 2050: transport system will replace private vehicles as the main mobility option.
- 2050: 100% of buses and taxis will be zero emissions.
Strategic axis: Progressively transform the country's vehicular fleet of light fossil-fueled cars to zero-emission vehicles, and promote autonomous shared car business models.
The country intends to implement an extensive electric recharge network throughout the country with complementary infrastructure for zero-emission technologies, for example, hydrogen stations.
Related Goals:
- 2025: The growth of motorcycle purchases will be stabilized and standards will be adopted to favor zero-emission motorcycle sales.
- 2035: 25% of the vehicle fleet will be electric.
- 2050: 100% of the sales of new light vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles and 60% of the light vehicle fleet - private and public - will be zero emissions.
Strategic axis: Reduce the environmental impact of freight transport in the country, favoring the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and low-carbon vehicles.
Related Goals:
- 2022: The Country will have a public inventory on the emissions of the fleet of cargo vehicles. Pilot plans will be put in place to increase the efficiency of trucks by improving transport logistics.
- 2050: At least 50% of freight transport will be highly efficient and will have reduced emissions by 20% compared to 2018 emissions.
Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
Strategic axis: Modernize the industrial sector through the application of electrical, sustainable and more efficient processes.
Related Goals:
- 2030: There will be a strategy and commercial models of integral design that consider the necessary actions to mitigate and assume responsibility for the impact of a product from its birth, distribution and subsequent discard.
- 2050: The industrial sector will rely more on low-emission energy sources.
Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
Strategic axis: Consolidation of a management model for rural, urban and coastal territories that facilitates the protection of biodiversity, the increase and maintenance of forest cover and ecosystem services based on nature-based solutions.
Related Goals:
- 2030: increase forest cover in Costa Rica to 60% to consolidate biological areas and increase the availability of green areas for recreation.
Related national measures indicated in the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050:
Strategic axis: Consolidate a national electricity system capable of supplying and managing renewable energy at a competitive cost for users. Improve the efficient management of customers and territories by digitizing institutional and commercial processes.
Related Goals:
- 2030: The country's electricity matrix must operate 100% with renewable energy.
- 2050: electricity will be the main source of energy for the transport, residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
No available information.
There is a recent case related to a mining project that was intended to be developed in the northern part of the country by a Canadian-owned company. Politicians and state entities involved. The project was questioned for several reasons, including environmental issues, for possible negative impacts on forest areas and soils. Suggested keywords for more information on the Internet: 'Crucitas Case Costa Rica' or ‘Caso Crucitas Costa Rica’ (different interests, opinions and positions regarding this case).
The most relevant documents have been mentioned in this first report.