A Strong and Clear Call for Action from Costa Rican VP

Costa Rica's Vice-President Alfio Piva gave a speech with sweeping historical references.  He began by pointing out that we were meeting on Mayan soil -- in a land where a great civilization used to exist. He drew the parallel that the Mayan civilization collapsed when the humans were out of balance with their environment.

His other history was more recent. Recalling how, when Kyoto was being negotiated, scientists urged far deeper cuts. Scientists asked for 50% reductions, but Kyoto only set a global goal of 5.2%.  And those targets have not been met.

Costa Rica is committed to be the first Carbon neutral by 2021. CR is investing 1% GDP per year to meet this target. Adaptation is already taking a large investment.

How, he asked, should industrialized countries ignore their responsibilities when a developing country like Costa Rica takes its responsibilities seriously. He called for the G-20 to put forward some commitments.

A strong and clear call for action.