Lack of knowledge hinders any issue that requires positive change; the root of all progress is education. This is the case of environmental justice, an urgent issue in light of climate change and as some US politicians continue to deny the existence of global warming. Costa Rica has fortunately recognized these global environmental indicators and has implemented environmental education programs to complement its already progressive policies, including the goal of achieving carbon neutrality (Blasiak). Through ecological education, Costa Rica promotes environmental sustainability from recycling and agriculture without harmful interactions to the ecosystem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayAs a hegemonic power in the world, the United States is often cited as an example of progress. The dearth of recycling programs in the United States, however, is somewhat shameful and surprising for a country that prides itself on having a history of environmentalism; from Teddy Roosevelt's nature conservation to Rachel Carson's research into the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment. Although the United States accounts for the largest percentage of Costa Rica's ecotourism, Costa Rica can independently boast larger efforts toward environmental justice. This is evident through Earth University, a banana plant-turned-school for approximately 400 students from 43 different countries, including many from Latin America and several from Africa. Here students are challenged to create a sustainable business, an increasingly useful skill in the face of population expansion and the aforementioned climate change (PBS). From an economic perspective, sustainable business not only benefits the environment but is also economically beneficial. Savings accumulate simply by reducing, reusing and recycling. However, by going a step further and implementing more complex environmental improvements, such as animal waste recycling or solar panels, you can significantly increase your long-term savings. Furthermore, an aesthetically pleasing natural environment is attractive, both literally and figuratively, to nature-loving tourists. Although it has been argued that ecotourism decreases deforestation through the creation of parks and nature reserves, its negative effects include increased solid waste from tourists and an increase in travel-related air pollution (STEM). It should be recognized that between environmental education and investment in ecotourism, the former is of utmost importance with regards to environmental preservation, while the latter has the potential to place commercialization and money before environmental protection. In this way, Costa Rica should continue to invest in environmental education and prioritize this strategy over other components of environmental conservation, including ecotourism. Given this, environmental education can be intertwined with ecotourism through the promotion of conservation to visiting tourists. Furthermore, ecotourism intersects with environmental education in the sense that it not only serves as an economic incentive but also encourages citizens to educate themselves about conservation. In short, ecotourism leads to awareness of problems and subsequently education about these environmental aspects (Stem 329, 337). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay While Costa Rica has the advantage of pre-existing natural landscapes as destinations.