Geothermal energy, the productive use of the vast quantity of thermal energy within Earth's crust, is one of the few renewable, low-carbon emission energy sources that can consistently generate power 24-hours a day, irrespective of the season.
A comprehensive Tico Times analysis of the environmental successes and failures by the outgoing National Liberation Party administration of Laura Chinchilla. The first part in a two part series about the future of the environment in Costa Rica.
It's been a tough few months for Costa Rica's global image. The country has seen its scores drop in everything from press freedom to environmental performance, and it is likely knocked out of the running to become the world's first carbon-neutral country.
In December, the advocacy group Environmental Network Alliance hoped to bring green issues to the forefront of Costa Rica's presidential debates by scheduling an environmental forum for candidates. Only two of 13 candidates – Luis Guillermo Solís and José María Villalta – showed up.
A $560 million loan over the next 40 years will hopefully bring Costa Rica closer to its goal to generate 95 percent of its electricity with renewable resources.
