By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a striking contrast to the alarming climate headlines dominating global news, Costa Rica has experienced only minimal and localized impacts from climate change, according to a recent analysis by the National Meteorological Institute (IMN). While the world grapples with shifting weather patterns, the nation’s climate has shown remarkable resilience, with experts emphasizing the need for long-term data over short-term weather events.
The IMN’s findings underscore a crucial scientific principle: true climate change analysis requires an extensive timeframe. Experts at the institute clarified that assessing climatic shifts necessitates studying data over a period of at least 30 years. Consequently, weather variations within a single year or a short series of years are insufficient to definitively conclude a sustained change in the country’s climate profile.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the national and international implications of climate change policies, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal landscape surrounding climate change is rapidly evolving, moving beyond mere environmental regulations. We are now seeing a surge in climate litigation where corporations are held accountable for their carbon footprint and for failing to adapt to foreseeable climate risks. For businesses in Costa Rica, aligning operations with the National Decarbonization Plan is no longer just a matter of corporate social responsibility; it is a critical strategy to mitigate legal and financial liabilities under both national law and international agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial perspective underscores a fundamental shift, moving climate strategy from the realm of corporate social responsibility to the core of legal and financial risk management. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this critical evolution for businesses operating in Costa Rica.
While some temperature variations have been recorded across the country, they do not indicate a widespread or persistent trend. Meteorologists from the IMN have observed slight increases in both maximum and minimum temperatures, but these changes are considered minor and do not represent a significant, nationwide shift.
Karina Hernández, a meteorologist with the institute, provided specific details on the nature of these observations, noting their limited scope.
The increases are very small and not spatially sustained, meaning they have been identified in some very localized stations, in specific months; in other words, it is not a sustained condition.
Karina Hernández, Meteorologist
This localized stability, however, stands in stark opposition to a major regional trend. The IMN report highlights a significant and undeniable change in the Atlantic hurricane basin. The average number of cyclonic systems forming during the hurricane season has been steadily climbing, signaling a more active and potentially more dangerous regional environment.
The historical baseline for cyclonic systems has been revised upwards multiple times in recent memory, reflecting a clear intensification of storm activity in the Atlantic. This trend is a key indicator of broader climate shifts affecting the region.
We have moved from several climatologies with 10 systems, then a climatology with 12, an increase of 2, and now the latest climatology has increased by 4.
Karina Hernández, Meteorologist
Hernández and her colleagues stressed the importance for the public and policymakers to differentiate between three distinct concepts: weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions; climate, the long-term average of weather; and climate change, a statistically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or in its variability, persisting for an extended period. Costa Rica’s current situation is a case study in how a nation’s long-term climate can remain relatively stable even as global and regional patterns show volatility.
Despite the minimal direct impact, the increased activity in the Atlantic basin remains a point of vigilance for Costa Rica. While the nation is often spared direct hurricane landfalls, more intense and frequent regional storms can lead to indirect effects, such as heavy rainfall and flooding from associated tropical waves and depressions. The IMN’s continued monitoring is therefore essential for national preparedness and risk management, ensuring the country remains alert to potential threats emanating from the wider Caribbean.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official government agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and weather forecasting. It provides essential data for agriculture, disaster prevention, aviation, and public information, playing a critical role in the country’s development and safety by monitoring atmospheric phenomena.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies to meet modern challenges. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated dedication to demystifying the law, reflecting a core mission to equip society with the clarity and understanding needed to foster a more just and empowered community.
