Legal Work Education Transport Social Retirement Environment Cost of Living Politics Emergency Climate Long-term Expat Guide

Environment & Sustainability Guide · Costa Rica

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Costa Rica

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Informational purposes only

This guide is AI-generated from publicly available data and is intended for general orientation only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or emigration advice. For binding steps such as visa applications, contracts, and registrations, always consult official government sources and qualified professionals.

Costa Rica leads globally in sustainability with nearly 100% renewable electricity since 2014, reversed deforestation, and net-zero emissions target by 2050. 28% of land is protected, including 20 national parks. Despite strong policies, climate change increases flood and drought risks, while waste management relies heavily on landfills.

Air Quality Index

0510

Good

7.5/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Air quality in Costa Rica is generally good due to high renewable energy use and reforestation, with stable trends per database. Limited industrial pollution and urban green spaces contribute, though data is sparse. Government initiatives focus on transport electrification reducing emissions.

Water Quality

0510

Good

7.5/10

Costa Rica guarantees access to safe water by law since 2020. Average precipitation is high at 2,926 mm, with potable supply per person at 22,603 m³. However, 70% of wastewater from treatment plants was improperly treated in 2018, indicating ongoing challenges.

Law ensures safe drinking water as essential resource; high water volume supports access but treatment needs improvement.

Recycling System

Costa Rica closed 48 illegal dumpsites in past 15 years but 80% of waste still goes to landfills, highest among OECD countries. Efforts advancing in circular economy via ENEC strategy for waste management improvement.

Recycling Rate: —%

Green Spaces

Costa Rica protects 28% of land as national parks, forests, reserves; first tropical country to reverse deforestation. SINAC manages conservation; marine areas exceed 30% threshold.

Forest Coverage: 52.0%

National Parks: 20

26 safeguarded forests, 9 forest reserves, 8 wildlife refuges; National Biodiversity Policy 2015–2030 guides efforts.

Environmental Policies

Net-zero by 2050 via National Decarbonization Plan; NDC limits emissions to 11,380 Gg CO2e by 2030. 98% renewable electricity; transport carbon-free target by 2050. Paris Agreement compliant.

Key Policies:

•National Decarbonization Plan
•National Biodiversity Policy 2015–2030

Renewable Energy: 100% renewable electricity sustained; diversify with 412 MW solar/wind/biomass by 2026.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Vulnerable to floods, droughts, earthquakes; climate change exacerbates risks.

floodsdroughtsearthquakes

Climate Change Impacts: Rising temperatures, sea level rise, altered rainfall intensify floods/droughts, threaten coasts/agriculture. Hydropower dropped to 95% in 2023 due to low rain; fossil fuels used in 2024 droughts. LULUCF sink doubled needed for net-zero. No specific °C rise data available; vulnerability high per OECD.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

98-100% renewable electricity since 2014 from hydro, geothermal, wind, solar; EV fleet quintupled 2021-2024; 412 MW new solar/wind/biomass 2025-2026.

Waste Management

Closed 48 illegal dumpsites; ENEC circular economy strategy; still 80% waste to landfills.

Coastal Wetlands

2025 NDC: restore 3,900 ha mangroves by 2035; National Blue Carbon Strategy.

Wildlife & Nature

JaguarNear Threatened

Great Green MacawEndangered

Resplendent QuetzalNear Threatened

More Insights for your Move to Costa Rica

Comprehensive guides and data-driven analysis.

View all Costa Rica Guides & Categories11 in-depth guides for expats & digital nomads

nestfainder.ai