Environmental problems in Costa Rica

Environmental problems in Costa Rica

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Have you arrived here asking what are the main environmental problems in Costa Rica? Some of them have been present for many years such as wastewater treatment and waste management. Others, on the other hand, are relatively new and could be seen intensified by climate change in the near future.

It is important for this country to achieve the goal of greater development and that the economy grows, but we must not lose sight of the problems of Environmental pollution in Costa Rica And you have to address everything possible towards sustainable development

In this article we will examine 10 environmental problems in Costa Rica and possible solutions of these to end them or mitigate them. So, do not stop reading this complete ecology article where we tell you everything about the Costa Rica’s environmental problem.

Waste management and production

The amount of waste produced has doubled in just more than a decade and only 15% reaches recycling centers, while 20% are thrown out of control anywhere. The inadequate elimination of solid and liquid waste It is contaminating the water.

The solutions are not throwing rivers or discarding them in any aquatic ecosystem or other natural areas. In addition, it is convenient to raise public awareness of how to prevent the production of so many waste, as well as elaborate some strategies so that there is greater recycling. Here you can learn about what is waste management.

We also advise you to read this other post about what an environmental problem and examples are.

Environmental problems in Costa Rica - Waste management and production

Water shortage, one of the main environmental problems in Costa Rica

The Water shortage It can lead to public health problems, agricultural and livestock production and energy generation. The latter is because in Costa Rica a good percentage of electricity is generated from water resources (hydroelectric energy).

Water must be more efficiently used, for example, installing Water reuse systemscollecting rainwater to water and for other uses, and installing other existing devices to save water. You could also choose to invest more in water desalination.

In this link you will see information about what is the shortage of water, its causes and consequences.

Water pollution in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, only more than 20% of the sewage generated in homes. Many times this causes the Aquatic ecosystems degradation and endangers our health.

Taking measures to make wastewater treatment, in addition to not throwing waste into water bodies, will prevent water pollution in Costa Rica. It would also help make proper monitoring of the quality of this precious resource.

We also advise you to read these other articles left over the causes and consequences of water pollution, solutions for water pollution and how to avoid water pollution.

Environmental problems in Costa Rica - Water pollution in Costa Rica

Overexploitation of sea resources

Another of the Costa Rica’s environmental problems It is the overexploitation of maritime resources. For about 14 years there have been no statistics to measure the rhythm at which these resources are being exploited, although other indicators reveal serious damage to populations such as that of the white shrimp and many fish such as the mere, juris, patches etc. Statistics have to be available that help decision -making when manage fishery resourcesif they could not decrease to the point of not being able to fish again.

In this link you can learn more about the overexploitation of natural resources.

Air pollution in Costa Rica

In about 15 years, the number of private vehicles has doubled, but not public transport, which also has an old fleet. Since for its operation they are consumed fossil fuelsthis has caused a serious increase in air pollution.

ยฟHow to avoid pollution in Costa Rica del Aire? Accessibility to public transport must be improved, modernize the fleet of Costa Rican vehicles, as well as encourage the use of hybrid or electric vehicles to solve this problem.

Here you can know why the air and solutions for air pollution are contaminated.

Abundant use of agrochemicals

Other Environmental Problems in Costa Rica It is the Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticidesalso called agrochemicals that are toxic or agrotoxic. This means that, when vegetables and fruits reach consumers, they still contain remains of these chemicals. Waste and aquifers have also been found, so water is contaminated.

The solution is to encourage the use of new technologies and make better handling of certain waste that is bathed by water and make it contaminated.

Environmental problems in Costa Rica - Abundant use of agrochemicals

Deforestation and decrease in reforestation

Deforestation, as well as the decrease in reforestation, has its cause in the Growth of urban areas and cultivation fields mostly.

A few years ago, very ambitious reforestation campaigns were carried out that have left a little aside. You have to do everything possible to put limits to that growth and make a better use of the available spaces to prevent the second forest loss.

Here we comment more about the causes of deforestation and what is reforestation and its importance.

Environmental problems in Costa Rica - Deforestation and decrease in reforestation

Real estate and tourism expansion

This is the Urban Zones Expansion that we commented before. In addition, the expansion of the tourism sector It also has an impact on real estate development, so you have to control these expansions. Tourism can also generate other environmental impacts, even badly carried out ecotourism, since garbage can be generated and some individuals of species of the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Likewise, rural migration should be avoided, since it does not contribute to sustainable development.

Here we explain in more detail the world overpopulation.

Excessive consumption

Consumerism It is, without a doubt, another of the Great environmental problems in Costa Rica. We consume a lot of everything and we see it as a necessity, when in reality they are only desires, sometimes somewhat illogical. Consumption above the necessary will always increase our carbon footprint, thus being responsible for global warming and other environmental problems, as there are Excess of productsby processes that are mostly pollutants (both of water and soil and air), and there is also the problem of the Decontolyd garbage generationwhich ends in the soils, on the U beaches in the waters of rivers and seas.

One has to Avoid the purchase of unnecessary products and try to acquire those who have a long useful life. To do this, we will have to raise awareness of the possible population. We advise you to learn more with this other post on how consumerism affects the environment.

Environmental problems in Costa Rica - excessive consumption

Climate change

The small country in Costa Rica is especially vulnerable to extreme climatic events typical of climate changeas are the Tropical storms and floodsbut it is also vulnerable to suffering extreme temperaturesdroughts and forest fires. In Costa Rica, climate change has already reduced the growth of crops and pastures on numerous occasions and has also caused losses in livestock. It is estimated that the losses caused by climate change could add more than 7 billion dollars if nothing is done, therefore, it is necessary to provide Costa Rica with infrastructure adapted to climate change.

You can inform yourself more about one of the main environmental problems of Costa Rica And of the whole globe, reading these other articles about causes and consequences of climate change, how climate change affects us and how to avoid climate change.

If you want to read more articles similar to Environmental problems in Costa Ricawe recommend that you enter our pollution category.

Literature
  • Alpรญzar F., Madrigal R., Salas A. (2018). Environmental challenges of Costa Rica. Inter -American Development Bank (IDB).
Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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