A question of development
Summary of AFD's investigations
OCTOBER 2022 N° 59
Employment in a zero net emissions future in Costa Rica: Renewable energy to enable widespread benefits for the country. In pursuit of a "3D" economy (decentralized, digitized and decarbonized), Costa Rica is encouraging transformations to work towards the year 2050 through its National Decarbonization Plan (NDP) and the National Strategic Plan (NSP). Successful implementing these plans would lead to an increase in the number of jobs related to clean energy, sustainable transport, and the efficient use of natural resources. The University of Costa Rica and AFD (Agence Française de Développement) studied the magnitude and the periods in which these changes in employment would be expected.
Authors Jairo Quirós-Tortós, Professor, University of Costa Rica Alejandro Matarrita, Economist, University of Costa Rica María José Sauma, Economist, University of Costa Rica Mónica Rodríguez, Economist, University of Costa Rica Slim Dali, Economist, Agence Française de Développement
I. A multisectoral transformation of the Costa Rican economy The "3D" economy aims to electrify 85% of the public and 95% of the private vehicle fleet by mid-century. By the same year, we plan to have introduced new logistical practices and taken steps towards the electrification of freight transportation. The aim is to have a 100% renewable electricity system by the middle of the century. We also seek to encourage sustainable practices when building and transforming the industrial sector into a low-emission sector. Good practices in waste management would be encouraged to increase reuse and promote the circular economy. Sustainable practices for less carbon-intensive agriculture are to be encouraged. This also includes changes in household consumption habits toward balanced diets, which would have an effect on production chains. In addition, innovative solutions in forestry, forest plantations and forest management would be proposed to increase the country's carbon sinks. Furthermore, we seek a decentralized and inclusive economic development of the country through the sophistication and modernization of economic activities, using and strengthening human capital and other resources of the different regions of Costa Rica. There would be 12 development units made up of hubs, corridors and management areas for or which the company will promote a resilient production matrix and the transition to a "3D" economy, strengthening existing activities and orienting future investments, as well as other drivers towards the main productive sectors.