As a proud Tico, I’ve always been fascinated by the rich cultural heritage and environmental wonders of my beloved Costa Rica. Growing up, I fondly remember the scenic drives to my grandmother’s hometown, where she would urge me and my brothers to take in the verdant landscapes and lush pastures – a vivid tapestry of the nation’s natural beauty. What I didn’t realize then was that these values of preserving that very beauty, or what we now call sustainability, would come to shape the course of my life.
Early on, I was instilled with a deep appreciation for the idiosyncrasies that define Costa Rica. Singing the lyrics of our National Anthem, which call for “work and peace” to always thrive, resonated with me, even if the profound meaning escaped my youthful understanding. It wasn’t until my university days that I truly connected the dots between peace, environmentalism, and the role Costa Rica plays as a global leader in sustainable practices.
Championing Sustainability, From Classroom to the World Stage
As I delved into my studies in economics at the University of Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to work on a project for the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. This project aimed to foster the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, a public-private partnership that sets standards to promote and recognize the implementation of environmental and cultural conservation practices in the tourism industry.
Through this work, I gained invaluable insights into the intrinsic relationships between Costa Rica’s environmental protection, cultural heritage, and economic development. I realized the crucial importance of developing transparent accountability mechanisms to demonstrate that our tourism model is not only benefiting the economy, but also actively preserving our natural and cultural assets.
Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism approach has significantly contributed to its position as a global leader in the field, making the sector a vital catalyst for economic growth and environmental conservation. It was during this time that I truly began to appreciate the immense value of our country’s special qualities and how they are perceived and respected worldwide.
Representing Costa Rica on the Global Stage
My passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship led me to become involved with the youth organization CO2Neutral2021, which worked to mobilize young people towards Costa Rica’s commitment to carbon neutrality and raise awareness on climate change. As the president of the Youth Council of Desamparados, I had the opportunity to represent Costa Rica at the World Youth Conference in Guanajuato, Mexico in 2010.
At this event, our Costa Rican delegation organized a memorable flashmob called “El Clima Está Loco” (Climate is Crazy), where we donned raincoats and umbrellas inside the conference building to send a powerful call to action on the urgent need to address climate change. This creative expression of our country’s environmental commitment resonated with the international audience and highlighted the passion of Costa Rica’s youth in championing sustainability.
I also had the privilege of joining the Costa Rican delegation at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP16) in Cancún, Mexico. There, I had the honor of meeting Christiana Figueres, the recently appointed executive secretary of the convention and a fellow Costa Rican. Her strategic vision and ability to communicate the challenges of climate change, as well as the necessary actions to address them, were truly inspiring.
These experiences provided invaluable insights into the pivotal role that small but proactive countries like Costa Rica can play on the world stage. Our nation’s proven track record in environmental policies and innovative sustainability initiatives have earned us a respected position in the global community, and I was proud to be a part of these efforts.
Shaping Environmental Policy at Home
After these eye-opening international experiences, I had the opportunity to directly contribute to Costa Rica’s environmental policymaking. In 2014, I joined the Ministry of Environment and Energy, where I served as a public official for nine years. Initially as an advisor and later as the director of the National Center for Geoenvironmental Information (CENIGA), I gained a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s environmental landscape, both in terms of its challenges and achievements.
Representing Costa Rica in the process of accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) further shaped my professional career. The OECD’s comprehensive evaluation of our country’s policies and practices, including in the area of environmental protection, provided valuable insights and highlighted both the significant progress we had made as well as the gaps that needed to be addressed.
One notable finding from the OECD’s first Environmental Performance Review of Costa Rica, published in 2023, was the dedicated chapter on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This underscored the global relevance of our nation’s strategies and efforts in this crucial area, reinforcing Costa Rica’s reputation as a pioneer in environmental stewardship.
Navigating the Challenges of Climate Change and Energy Transition
Despite Costa Rica’s relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, our geographical and climatic conditions make us particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This vulnerability intensifies existing issues related to climate variability and extreme weather events, posing significant risks to the security and lifestyle of our population, as well as broader implications for the country’s economic structure.
A key concern in this context is Costa Rica’s reliance on hydroelectric power, which accounts for a substantial portion of its renewable energy output. As climate change continues to disrupt rainfall patterns and water availability, the capacity to generate electricity through this method could become increasingly unreliable, threatening the nation’s energy security.
Amidst these challenges, Costa Rica finds itself at a pivotal moment that requires a deep reflection on how best to advance our decarbonization path and the energy transition. As nations worldwide strive to navigate their own transitions, it is crucial for our country to carefully consider its next steps to fulfill our commitment to becoming one of the first decarbonized economies.
Embracing the Potential of Hydrogen Technology
In this context, hydrogen technology emerges as a promising solution to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and drive economic sustainability. Costa Rica’s abundant renewable energy resources provide an ideal foundation to produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy form that releases no emissions when used.
Developing the potential of hydrogen technology involves long-term vision and substantial investment. Adapting our legislation to create favorable incentives is crucial for its development. Successfully demonstrating the implementation of hydrogen as an effective solution in the energy transition has the potential to position Costa Rica as a leader in renewable energy innovations and open lucrative opportunities for exporting this technology and the associated know-how.
These advancements could transform our country into a global hub for green technology, enhancing our economic sustainability and international standing. However, these forward-thinking strategies face potential setbacks from current governmental policies contemplating the exploration of oil and gas.
Such exploration, aimed at assessing the value of these resources within our territory, risks severely undermining Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in renewable energy and environmental conservation. In an era where the world is accelerating its transition to renewable energy, it appears contradictory for our country, celebrated for its effective use of renewables, to consider strategies that could reverse our environmental progress.
Honoring the Past, Powering the Future
As a Tico, my pride for our country is deeply rooted. I’ve come a long way from being self-absorbed in video games to becoming a passionate advocate for our environment. I want to continue singing our National Anthem and truly embody its words, appreciating the full value of our homeland.
We mustn’t wait until we lose our natural resources to realize their importance. We must not take for granted the rich biodiversity and sustainable practices that define us. By actively valuing and safeguarding these assets now, we ensure that Costa Rica continues to grow sustainably as a global example of environmental responsibility and innovation.
Let us work diligently to enhance our nation’s legacy, ensuring that future generations can also recognize and defend the extraordinary value of what we possess in Costa Rica. Through the integration of renewable energy solutions and the preservation of our cultural heritage, we can honor the past while powering the future – a testament to the unwavering spirit of sustainability that lies at the heart of our beloved country.