The Grad Voice

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

[Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Michael Na [Click to enlarge]

What keeps you from paradise? Long hours at work? The credit freeze? Your carbon-neutral agenda? On a recent trip to the Guanacaste Province in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, I kept one question in mind - how green am I being? By the time my cab arrived at JFK, I ruled out the possibility that my trip to Central America would be eco-friendly. In fact, from the moment you are born into life in a developed economy, much of your everyday activities perpetually contribute CO2 to the earth's atmosphere.

Environmentalism is not a new idea, but the study of conservation continues to evolve. Many new concepts in conservation spawned in the 20th century, however most are not obvious to the general public. Carbon-neutrality is a difficult concept to fully grasp, but undoubtedly has economic and environmental viability. Calculating the impact an individual or business has on the environment lacks precision compared to other fields of research, but can help us identify areas for improvement. With expert assumptions about the environment, speculators have traded billions of dollars worth of emissions credits, and the volume of trading has increased substantially over the years.

So, what is a carbon credit? Think of it as a commodity. Buying a credit represents the right to produce a greenhouse gas, while selling a credit represents the obligation to reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions. Since the Kyoto Protocols were established, developed and developing nations have agreed to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% of 1990-levels. The goal of every member nation varies - the European Union has agreed to an 8% reduction while Iceland can increase their emissions by 10% within their terms of the Protocol. These targets, based on each country's inherent ability to reduce or offset emissions, have made greenhouse gas credit exchanges possible. Like any market, some countries have comparative advantages, meaning that these countries can achieve carbon reduction at a lower cost. Therefore, when one country with a lower marginal abatement cost sells credits to a nation that pays a higher cost for reducing emissions, both parties benefit through gains from trade.

Based on the fundamentals of carbon trading, it seems possible to take a weeklong excursion to Costa Rica with a net zero effect on emissions. How is this statement quantified? Before we discuss the how, let's take a Taoist approach to examining why we would care to balance our carbon position.

One of the most remarkable facets of Costa Ricans is their way of life. Their mantra is often expressed through the country's most common and emblematic phrase - "Pura vida!" For Ticans (native Costa Ricans), pura vida, which translates as "pure life," is a greeting, a farewell, and a general expression of goodness. In context, it primarily means "good living," but the phrase has philosophical connotations that involve ideals of longevity, spirituality, healthy community, enjoying life slowly, and celebrating good fortune. The easy-spirited motto is appropriate for the first country to constitutionally abolish its army in 1949.

In 2007, the Republic of Costa Rica set its eyes on another first - leading the world in emissions standards by becoming the first carbon-neutral nation by 2021. Costa Rica determined that preserving the country's natural beauty should be a national priority. The reason is not hard to understand for a New Yorker. As soon as you enter the country, the wilderness surrounding you is a chirping, howling, and crawling reminder of the ecosystem at stake. As one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, Costa Rica is home to nearly one million plant and animal species. There are 850 known types of birds that are seasonally found in the country. Other abundant animals include amphibians, reptiles, and 10% of all known butterfly species. Insects account for half of the country's biodiversity.

Despite this abundance of life, local naturalists in growing parts of the country will claim that the ecosystem is threatened by tourism and development. As Costa Rica's pristine beaches become dotted with new hotels and villas and infrastructure is improved, the human footprint becomes more apparent. The nation itself has also seen steady economic progress in recent years, evidenced by the growing number of automobile purchases by the young population.

Costa Rica's vow to become carbon-neutral is a tremendous milestone in the country's progress. As population and purchasing power rapidly grow, the country will need to contribute more to their Green Movement. Tourism is an imminent threat; however, the nation is working to be a leader in providing carbon-neutral travel for tourists. Environment Minister Roberto Dobles told National Geographic: "We want Costa Rica to be a guilt-free location to visit, and that will be good for business." In the Guanacaste Province, the influx of tourists, mostly American, has proven to be a serious threat as small fishing populations have morphed into resort towns, like Tamarindo. Due to its proximity to an international airport in the city of Liberia, just a 45 minute drive away, Tamarindo has become a hotbed for paradise-seekers looking for sun and surf. There are dozens of direct flights from the U.S. to either Liberia, or the capital city of San Jose.

Illegal logging and oil prospects are other threats that will test Costa Rica's ability to meet key environmental goals. In recent years, rampant deforestation has been curbed by government crackdowns on violators, and subsidies for owners of forestland. A 3.5% gasoline tax is earmarked to preserve rainforests by paying around 8,000 property owners an annual sum of $15 million as an incentive not to convert their plots to agricultural land. By sustaining lush forests, nature's best weapon against global warming, Costa Rica remains a small but powerful force in the fight against global emissions. On the other hand, like other developing nations, the thirst for oil could trump all other priorities. As the country becomes industrialized, government officials could abandon its model of 80% renewable energy resources and become a petroleum enclave. Currently, Costa Rica imports much of its crude oil from Venezuela. Its next cheapest alternative would be to strike black gold at home, rather than promoting a clean, but expensive renewable energy infrastructure.

So, had I achieved a carbon-neutral vacation? Probably not, considering I flew on a major international carrier, rented an SUV for a week, and made no efforts to curb consumption or personal content. I did however notice that many businesses, including my villa, local restaurants, shops, and markets, operate with a greater sense of responsibility. Many of Costa Rica's nature tours, including those for profit, contribute a portion of their fees to conservation measures. Lately, tour companies have established eco-friendly campaign messages as the focus of their marketing strategy. There are companies that guarantee five star luxury, while offering a 100% emissions offset by sustainable practices and eco-contributions. For instance, Nature Vacations is an enterprise that offers breathtaking, "eco travel" getaways. (www.naturevacations.com) It is the premier travel agency of NatureAir, the world's first carbon-neutral airliner. (www.natureair.com)

Before you take your next trip, stop to consider the ecological footprint of your actions. If you dare, try quantifying the cost of your carbon emissions by visiting www.carboncounter.org - a website that estimates the cost to offset your emissions based on home energy use, MPGs, and flight time. With so much pressure on environmental reform, can we afford to continue roaming the Earth freely without any regard for our greenhouse gas emissions? Some believe that we should always consider emissions standards when planning travel, or that more regulation is necessary, but should this keep you from your next vacation? I don't doubt that my perspective can be a burden on the conscience, yet I hope it can inspire a more centrist approach to carbon-neutrality. Pura vida!

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