The minute
- A UN technical review found Costa Rica’s forest carbon data “consistent, complete and accurate,” validating its methodology against UNFCCC requirements
- The country reported 10.28 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in net removals from 2020 to 2023, through its REDD+ program of reduced deforestation, less forest degradation and higher carbon stocks
- Annual removals actually declined 22% over the period, from 2.89 million tonnes in 2020 to 2.27 million tonnes in 2023, and the UN flagged gaps Costa Rica still needs to close, including better ways to separate human-caused from natural forest change
Why it matters: A country passing this kind of UN technical review is not just a formality, it is what unlocks results-based climate finance. Costa Rica’s 2014-2015 results already attracted $54.1 million from the Green Climate Fund, so this newer verified batch sets up a similar case for further financing.
The 22% decline in annual removals is worth watching alongside the pass: verification proves the accounting is trustworthy, it does not mean the underlying forest performance is improving. via Carbon Credits