Just Transition key to Costa Rica’s plan for zero emissions by 2050

The ITUC congratulates the government of Costa Rica on its ambitious leadership towards achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. The target is part of its plan to reach zero emissions by 2050. Unions are calling on the government to make Just Transition central to achieving this ambition.

The National Decarbonisation Plan 2018 – 2050 will put the country on track to be one of the first in the world to completely decarbonise. Climate scientists have warned that the world needs to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50% in the next ten years.

“We urgently ask the government of Costa Rica to address the issue of Just Transition. Social dialogue with workers and their unions and the community are essential to ensure Just Transition measures build the trust that’s necessary to address the crisis of climate,” said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC.

Costa Rica will host pre-meetings of Ministers ahead of the UN climate talks (COP25) hosted by Chile at the end of the year where the ITUC and unions are participating in negotiations.

“All governments must now follow the lead of countries like Costa Rica. We have just eleven years to stop dangerous levels of climate change, beyond which there is no turning back. Every government must raise their ambitions and determine national development plans including Just Transition measures to protect workers, their families and communities. 2020 marks the Paris Agreement review when governments will again make commitments to take action for reducing emission. We must see high ambition – and Just Transition is the pathway to that higher ambition,” said Burrow.