A strategic step toward a low-carbon economy
Costa Rica officially presented its 2026–2030 Decarbonization Action Plan, designed to accelerate the country’s transition toward a low-carbon economy aligned with its international climate commitments.
This plan is part of the National Decarbonization Plan to 2050, which defines the roadmap for Costa Rica to comply with the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the UN climate framework.
The plan was developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through a participatory process involving more than 500 stakeholders from across the country.
Strategic axes and areas of action
The Action Plan is structured around ten strategic axes addressing key emissions sources:
- Clean transport and electric mobility
- Electrification and energy efficiency
- Circular economy and waste management
- Low-carbon agriculture and livestock systems
- Biodiversity protection and nature-based solutions
Around 100 measurable actions are included, each with indicators to track progress.
A multisectoral and territorial vision
The plan integrates enabling conditions for investment, connecting environmental policy with economic development and public/private financing decisions.
Costa Rica aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, building on achievements such as more than 95% renewable electricity generation and over 52% forest cover.
Why this matters for sustainable development
Beyond emissions reduction, the plan promotes green jobs, technological innovation, and community resilience to climate change, translating international commitments into practical national actions.
Official Sources
- Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía — National Decarbonization Plan and 2026–2030 Action Plan documents
- Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo — Technical support for the plan’s design
- Official portal of Costa Rica’s Decarbonization Strategy: cambioclimatico.minae.go.cr
- Government document: Plan Nacional de Descarbonización 2018–2050 (MINAE)
