By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

On Monday, President Carlos Alvarado gave a speech at Climate Action Summit 2019 that is taking place at the United Nations, in New York, U.S.

President Alvarado said in his speech that Costa Rica supports its economy with 100 percent renewable electricity, and the deforestation rate was reversed and that economic growth and welfare were achieved while investing in nature.

"We are at a turning point marked by science that emphasizes that we are running out of time to solve the climate crisis and its effects on the survival of species," President Alvarado said in his speech. "Today, young people claim us urgent actions to accelerate the transformation of our economies towards decarbonization and to reduce the scale of affectation of the most vulnerable populations. "

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, asked member countries for concrete plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 45 percent over the next ten years and to zero by 2050.

In response to Guterres’s request, President Alvarado listed his government’s actions to reverse the effects of climate change, including:

- The Decarbonization Plan sets a goal for zero emissions in 2050.

- The oil exploration and exploitation moratorium were extended to 2050.

- Country invests $30 million annually derived from the fossil fuel tax into green programs.

- Country also invests $5 billion in infrastructure to guarantee renewable energy.

- Government's commitment to be 60 percent forested area in 2030.

- Government's commitment that 30 percent of public transport be zero emissions in 2035.


During his visit to U N, the president met actor Harrison Ford, who is also vice president of the conservation organization. "I spoke Harrison Ford, Vice President of Conservation about our achievements as a country and vision in Climate Action Summit".

As A.M. Costa Rica reported on Monday, President Alvarado is in the big apple with the first lady, Claudia Dobles, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel Ventura and the Minister of Environment and Energy, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez.

The 2019 UN Climate Action Summit was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The target of the summit was to advance climate action for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the mean global temperature from rising by more than 1.5 degrees above the preindustrial level.

Next Wednesday, President Alvarado will give a speech at the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

The president will attend the launch of the advertising campaign, Only The Essentials, of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, which will take place in Manhattan.

The president and other authorities are scheduled to return to the country on Friday, September 27th.



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What do you think is more important combating climate change or reducing other issues like poverty or crime? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com

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