June 30, 2022

Costa Rica is learning how to adapt to its environmental threats. The deteriorating conditions have drastically affected particularly the Northern area of this country. In my experience on my visit in July 2022, I noticed some modifications made in order to face one of the biggest threats: flooding caused by hurricanes. This challenge has pushed Costa Rica to adapt, both industrially and socially. 

One of the main social adaptations I noticed was during my stay in the capital, San Jose. During my one-week visit, I volunteered with a childcare community project through a study abroad organization called Maximo Nivel. This organization offers a variety of field projects appealing to various interests. For the duration of my project, I stayed with a host family. We were not planning to have any additional company, however, this quickly changed when the country had to prepare for a sudden hurricane. A group of volunteers working on a sea turtle project on the Caribbean coast had to evacuate overnight and move in with us in San Jose. This situation showed me how humans have to adapt quickly to the threats of unanticipated severe weather. 

Another modification I noticed was a product of urban design: Costa Rica has adapted its road systems to prepare for flooding. This alteration was present in both San Jose as well as a town called Quepos. We had to drive from San Jose to Quepos the day after the hurricane and the national highway was unsafe due to landslides and fallen trees; anyone traveling along this route had to detour through the mountains. In both San Jose and Quepos, the roads and sidewalks were built higher up and there was a sizeable gap between the streets and the curbs to allow the water to drain instead of flooding the roads. This was a response to the more frequently occurring floods; as a result, Costa Rica is currently more prepared for future environmental threats.  

I went to Costa Rica to work with children and improve my Spanish. However, my eyes were opened to the impact of climate change on this still developing nation. I learned a lot from the adaptability and creativity the Costa Ricans used to face floods and hurricanes.