When it comes to countries who lead the pack in positive changes that could stop their negative impact on climate change? Those currently set to win are New Zealand, Costa Rica and Norway according to U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) during talks in mid December in Bali. These countries are leaders and their practices are about to be looked at more closely by those countries struggling to reduce their impact on the earth.

So when will these countries reach their climate neutral goals? Norway is on target to be completely climate neutral by the year 2050, according to Erik Solheim, environment minister for Norway New Zealand believes that goal will be reached by 2041. Costa Rica, is truly leading the pack. The hope for the country is to completely wipe out emissions by the year 2021, which will be time for a 200th independence anniversary party.

How is Costa Rica going to reach this admirable yet ambious goal? They are planting and relying on the already brimming hydropower. "Costa Rica will plant 5 million trees in 2007 and in 2008 the goal will be doubled," said Paulo Manso, head of the Costa Rica's negotiating team during the UNEP negotiating talks in Bali.

There were about 190 countries in Bali trying to start negotiation and share ideas on a global climate pact. This pact will replace the current Kyoto pact by 2013. To go carbon (or climate) neutral is achieved by removing all emissions from greenhouse gases by moving to other forms fuel besides fossil like water or wind.

It’s no surprise that Norway, Costa Rico and New Zealand are leading the movement. These countries have an abundance of renewable resources at their deposable, a history of caring about their land and already have hydropower implemented.