Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres, born on August seventh, nineteen fifty-six, is a distinguished Costa Rican diplomat, economist, and climate activist. With a career dedicated to advancing global climate policy, she was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in July two thousand ten, shortly after the unsuccessful COP15 in Copenhagen. Over the next six years, Figueres played a pivotal role in revitalizing the international climate negotiation process, culminating in the historic Paris Agreement of two thousand fifteen.

Throughout her career, Figueres has focused on various aspects of climate change, including technical and financial cooperation, energy, land use, and sustainable development. In two thousand sixteen, she emerged as Costa Rica's candidate for the United Nations Secretary General, gaining significant attention as an early frontrunner. However, she ultimately chose to withdraw from the race due to insufficient support.

In addition to her diplomatic efforts, Figueres is a co-founder of the Global Optimism group and has co-authored the influential book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, alongside Tom Rivett-Carnac in two thousand twenty. She also co-hosts the popular podcast Outrage and Optimism, where she engages with audiences on pressing climate issues and solutions.