It is the most peaceful and progressive nation in Central America. The country does not have an army and instead spends on education, environment, and culture.

Recently this country added another important feather to its cap. It became the first in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources!

We are talking about Costa Rica. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the South, this small country is flanked by the Caribbean Sea on its east and the Pacific Ocean on its west.

Going Carbon Neutral

With industrialization, our demand for energy has soared. But so have the consequences of our carbon footprint. From being a mere scientific concern, global warming and climate change are becoming visible everywhere and fast becoming an economic and social problem for world leaders. 

A couple of years ago, Costa Rica took a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2021. However, the commitment of its people and government towards clean energy has speeded the process forward.

In 2015, Costa Rica became the first country to generate its electricity entirely from clean energy for three consecutive months -- a remarkable achievement and well ahead of schedule.

So how did the country achieve it? Rather than industrialize, Costa Rica focuses on eco-tourism to support its economy. For its energy needs, the country has again tapped into its natural resources. 80% of Costa Rica's power comes from hydropower fed by its rainforests. Its more than 100 volcanoes supply 15% of Costa Rica's electrical grid with geothermal energy. Solar panels make up the rest of its electricity source.

More To Be Done

But even as the country has been able to produce 100% clean electricity, it still needs to do more to reduce its carbon footprint. A considerable amount of pollution in Costa Rica is caused by tourism-related automobiles that run on fossil fuels. The country's lawmakers are making efforts to incorporate hybrid and electric transportation into their environmental strategy. 

Though Costa Rica is not blessed with traditional natural resources, it has been a great innovator. It has been a beacon of environmental consciousness and sustainable development, mainly due to the will of its people.

"Pura Vida" or Pure Life - the motto of Costa Rica is certainly a role model for the rest of the world!