Meghan Hodges
Costa Rica has been praised for its efforts to cut carbon emissions and reduce pollution. The country has committed to a long-term transformation towards climate neutrality, with a focus on reducing short-lived climate pollutants and fossil CO2 emissions. Costa Rica's plan includes targets for the transport, agriculture, and waste sectors, such as increasing the percentage of zero-emission vehicles and implementing low emission production practices. In addition, Costa Rica has joined the global UN Clean Seas campaign to reduce plastic marine debris and has taken steps to eliminate single-use plastics in public institutions. Despite its small population and carbon emissions, Costa Rica's initiatives provide a model for a carbon-neutral future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global rank in air pollution | 117/138 |
| Fossil CO2 emissions in 2022 | 8,608,370 tons |
| CO2 emissions per capita in 2022 | 1.69 tons per person |
| Plastic waste | 4,000 tons of waste per day, 11% of which is plastic |
| Impact of air pollution from vehicles | Health costs run into millions of dollars each year |
| Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management | Launched in 2019 |
| National Decarbonization Plan | Targets transport, agriculture, energy, and waste sectors |
| Costa Rica's plan for cutting carbon emissions | Could make the country tens of billions of dollars richer |
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What You'll Learn
Costa Rica's transport sector
Costa Rica has made progress in improving its environmental performance since 2010, with forest cover increasing to nearly 60% of its land area. This has contributed to the absorption of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and offsetting their continued growth. However, the transport sector in Costa Rica continues to pose a significant challenge to the country's environmental goals.
The transport industry is the largest emitting sector in Costa Rica, responsible for 38.8% of total GHG emissions. This is a notable issue, especially in San José, the capital, where traffic congestion and unreliable public transport are common. The car ownership rate in Costa Rica is the third highest in Latin America and continues to rise, with an increasing impact on people's daily lives. Rush-hour commutes in the centre of San José, for example, have increased by over 40% since 2015.
To address these issues, Costa Rica has proposed several measures. The implementation of European-style CO2 emission standards for vehicles, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and improvements to the public transport system could reduce transport-related GHG emissions by 10% per year. Electrification of road transport should prioritise two/three-wheelers and urban buses, which are the most cost-competitive vehicle categories. The uptake of electric motorbikes would also help reduce air pollution.
Costa Rica has also invested in an electric train line, securing a $550 million loan, with the first stretch scheduled to be running by 2025. Additionally, the country has purchased eight new trains to run on the original track. These initiatives are part of Costa Rica's National Decarbonisation Plan, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan includes a shift towards public transport, active mobility, and reduced demand due to digitalisation and teleworking, which are key drivers towards deep decarbonisation.
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Agriculture and cattle farming
Plantation Agriculture and its Environmental Impact
Costa Rica's primary agricultural products include coffee, bananas, short-cycle crops, and cattle for beef and dairy. However, the country's agricultural landscape is dominated by large-scale plantations run by multinational corporations such as Dole, Del Monte, and Chiquita. These plantations primarily grow bananas, pineapples, sugar, coffee, and ornamental plants, often using genetically modified crops to increase yield and resistance to pests and diseases. While this type of agriculture facilitates economies of scale and contributes to the country's economic growth, it has also led to significant environmental concerns. The clearing of large forest areas for corporate agricultural fields has negatively impacted ecosystems and contributed to Costa Rica's loss of forest cover. The use of pesticides in agricultural fields has also nearly doubled in the past two decades, with Costa Rica ranking first in the world in pesticide use. This has led to pesticide runoff and other environmental effects, particularly affecting banana and plantain crops.
Sustainable Farming Practices and Climate-Smart Agriculture
In contrast to conventional farming methods, sustainable farming practices are gaining traction in Costa Rica. Indigenous communities practice subsistence farming, and some small-scale farmers employ techniques such as companion planting (e.g., planting mint to deter pests) and plug-flow anaerobic digesters to improve sustainability. To address the environmental impacts of agriculture and meet its carbon neutrality goals, Costa Rica is promoting climate-smart agriculture. This includes reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, improving soil fertility with biochar, and implementing sustainable land management practices through initiatives like RECSOIL, which enhance soil carbon sequestration.
Cattle Farming and its Environmental Implications
Cattle farming has had a significant impact on Costa Rica's environment, particularly contributing to deforestation. Between 1960 and 1986, the country's forest cover decreased to 40.8% due in part to tree felling for grazing land and agricultural production. However, recent trends show that cattle farmers are producing more meat with less space, and extensive grazing systems are used on 93.8% of farms dedicated to meat production. The government estimates that cattle farms preserve 18% of the country's forests and protect 23 million trees. Additionally, through initiatives like the Strategy for Low Carbon Livestock 2015-2034, the sector is working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting animal welfare.
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Plastic pollution
Costa Rica's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its new "Law to Combat Plastic Pollution and Protect the Environment." This law bans the sale and distribution of plastic bags, straws, and bottles, encouraging the use of biodegradable and reusable alternatives. It also recommends that businesses incentivize shoppers to bring their packaging. The law extends beyond immediate environmental benefits, targeting importers, producers, sellers, and distributors of single-use plastic water bottles to ensure compliance.
The impact of this legislation is far-reaching. By reducing plastic waste, Costa Rica is preserving its wildlife habitats and protecting local flora and fauna. This shift opens up opportunities in the green sector, spurring growth in recycling, biodegradable products, and sustainable packaging solutions. The country is also modifying its education curriculum to include information on plastic waste and management, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to continue these efforts.
In addition to legislation, Costa Rica is implementing innovative projects to address plastic pollution. The Plastic-Free Landscapes Project aims to install plastic waste collection fences in four of the most polluted rivers in the country. This project will not only accelerate the cleaning process but also transform non-recoverable plastics into raw materials for construction. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is also actively involved in removing non-recyclable plastics from terrestrial and marine ecosystems, with a goal to eliminate 200,000 tons of plastic waste by 2030.
Costa Rica's efforts to combat plastic pollution extend beyond government initiatives. Businesses, such as Green Circle Experience, are aligning their operations with the new plastic legislation, eliminating single-use plastics, offering reusable alternatives, and promoting plastic-free practices in local communities. These collective actions position Costa Rica as a global leader in environmental conservation and sustainable innovation.
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Air pollution
Real-time air pollution data for Costa Rica is available through various applications and websites. The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides current and historical AQI levels for the country, with data on particulate matter and other pollutants. On April 12, 2025, the AQI level in Costa Rica was reported as "moderate" at 58, with the best AQI level in the previous 24 hours being 45 ("good") and the worst being 56 ("moderate").
To protect their health, travellers to Costa Rica, particularly those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other pre-existing conditions, should take precautions. This includes carrying necessary medications, such as inhalers or oral steroids, and consulting a doctor for specific advice. Older travellers may benefit from a physical exam, including a stress and lung capacity test, before departure. Newborns and young children should minimise their exposure to poor air quality or consider avoiding areas with known air pollution issues. Face masks may also be recommended by a medical practitioner.
To address air pollution issues, Costa Rica can employ various strategies. For instance, the use of air quality monitors, drones, and outdoor air purifiers can help improve air quality in affected areas. Implementing fresh air solutions in workplaces, schools, retail stores, hospitals, and other enclosed spaces can also benefit overall air quality and employee health. Additionally, monitoring and reducing emissions from vehicles and construction activities can positively impact outdoor air quality in the long term.
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Costa Rica's economic recovery
Costa Rica has been working towards an economic recovery since the Covid-19 pandemic. In June 2020, the government requested support to advance the country's sustainable recovery through the NDC Partnership's Economic Advisory Initiative. The goal is to develop a "3D economy"—a digitized, decentralised, and decarbonised economy. The government's National Decarbonisation Plan aims to increase green growth by 2050, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting inclusive economic development.
To formulate consensus proposals for economic recovery, the Costa Rican government has engaged in dialogue with various sectors, including business owners, unions, and academics. The dialogue resulted in proposals to reduce the fiscal deficit, stimulate the economy, and enhance the efficiency of the public sector. Additionally, Costa Rica is focusing on decarbonization investments to hasten economic recovery. By using the IEEM model, the government can analyse how public policy and investment impact indicators such as value-added, income, employment, wealth, and natural capital.
While Costa Rica works towards economic recovery and sustainable development, it also faces challenges with pollution. According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the health costs of high air pollution from vehicles in San José, the capital, run into millions of dollars annually. However, if air pollution concentrations are reduced to World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels, Costa Rica could save significantly on healthcare costs related to bronchitis, asthma, and hospitalizations due to excessive air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The main sources of pollution in Costa Rica are vehicle emissions, plastic waste, and agricultural emissions.
Costa Rica has set targets to increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles, including electric cars and trains.
Costa Rica generates 4,000 tons of waste every day, of which 11% is plastic. Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to plastic waste, and the country has pledged to reduce and eliminate their use.
Costa Rica has implemented measures to promote low emission production and circular economy systems in the agricultural sector. This includes more efficient management of crops and cattle.
