Costa Rica to ban fossil fuels and become world's first decarbonised society

Fossil fuels are being held responsible for global warming, huge environmental damage and climate change. Fossil fuels are sources of energy that come from the remains of living organisms that have been buried for millions of years. With time, heat and pressure, these organisms transform into either coal, oil or natural gas, all sources of energy. It’s when we burn these things that we cause huge environmental damage.

Most countries are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and limit the use of fossil fuels but it is Costa Rica that is leading the way. Carlos Alvarado, the Costa Rican president, has announced that Costa Rica will be the same country to abolish the use of fossil fuels for transportation completely, making way for clean and renewable energy sources.

The plan is to start working on the plan immediately and end the use of fossil fuels in the transport industry by 2021. This is not far away, and is also the same year that Costa Rica celebrates its 200th year of independence. Thereafter, Costa Rica will work on banning the use of fossil fuels on all other industries.

Costa Already already generates close to 100% of its electricity via renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Removing the use of fossil fuels completely from the transport energy so quickly may be unrealistic and is hard to implement, but if anyone can do it, Costa Rica can. They have experience, knowledge, the right people to put such plans into action, and a government and citizens who want to work together for a clean environment.

If you visit Costa Rica, take a drive around. You will see solar panels everywhere, for domestic and commercial use. And you will see huge wind farms, all around the country. You may be inspired to start using renewable energy too. And to inspire your own country.