CO2 Emissions per Capita: Costa Rica

Analysis# Costa Rica CO2 Emissions per Capita Costa Rica's per capita CO2 emissions reached 1.633 metric tons in 2024, remaining well below its all-time peak of 1.761 metric tons in 2007. Since 1970, emissions per capita have more than doubled, climbing 109.4% from 0.766 metric tons. Despite this long-term increase, Costa Rica maintains one of the lowest per capita emission rates globally, reflecting its reliance on renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Recent years reveal notable volatility. Emissions spiked to 1.709 metric tons in 2017 before declining sharply to 1.425 metric tons in 2020, likely due to pandemic-related economic disruptions. The subsequent recovery to 1.633 metric tons by 2024 suggests emissions are stabilizing near mid-range levels rather than climbing toward the 2007 peak, indicating that Costa Rica's energy transition continues to temper growth in per capita carbon output.