Costa Rica aims to become first "carbon-neutral" country.

• Author: Herro, Alana
• Position: EYE ON EARTH

Costa Rica's government is developing plans to begin offsetting all of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions, the news service La Nacion reported in February. Roberto Dobles, the country's environment and energy minister, said Costa Rica aims to reach this goal using a combination of budgeting, laws, and incentives, including measures to promote biofuels, hybrid vehicles, and clean energy.

A key element of the strategy will be the creation of a "C-Neutral" label to certify that tourism and certain industrial practices mitigate all of the carbon they emit. Under this system, tourists and businesses in Costa Rica will be charged a voluntary "tax" to offset their emissions, with one metric ton of carbon dioxide valued at US$10. The money will be used to fund conservation, reforestation, and research in protected areas.

To augment the development of C-Neutral, Costa Rica is cultivating a carbon certificate market that aims to not only boost carbon capture and storage in the nation's forests, but also help maintain their scenic beauty, which attracts visitors from around...