Costa Rica's commitment: on the path to becoming carbon-neutral.

• Author: Mora, Roberto Dobles

Current scientific evidence increasingly shows that the benefits of strong early action far outweigh the costs of inaction. If we do not drastically and promptly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions now, we are risking a catastrophic disruption of the complex of interlinked environmental, economic, health, moral, political and social systems that sustain civilization as we know it.

Bringing the needed collective action to avoid the looming catastrophe, however, remains one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. Its mere scale and the urgency of action will test the global governance system and stress the relationship between developing and developed countries during the next decade. To avoid the worst impact of climate change, we need to find equitable solutions and encourage the most drastic emissions reduction possible. The world has fallen too far behind in the fight against global warming. We cannot afford any further delay. Developed countries and the rapid growth economies of large developing countries have more responsibility for climate action, but there is no excuse for smaller countries not to act.

Costa Rica has decided to respond and align its national priorities with global climate action. The Government has prepared a far-reaching climate change strategy and is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral (C-neutral) country. We aspire to build a society whose pursuit of well-being does not reduce or risk the well-being of others. In the words of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, "we do this with the hope that, eventually, we will be able to show the world that what ultimately needs to be done, can be done". As a small country, this is Costa Rica's important contribution to the climate change issue.

Climate change is at the top of the government agenda. The new Administration, which took office in 2006, included it as a priority in its national development plan. Both at the national and international levels, the Government has announced its commitment to transform Costa Rica into a leader in the battle against climate change. An economy-wide plan is being formulated in a participatory way that includes all economic sectors, relevant government bodies and academic institutions. Important segments of the private sector and the media have already shown enthusiastic support for this goal. The vision I have been advocating--that "a C-neutral economy is at the same time a competitive economy"--is starting to be shared by...