Christiana Figueres
Who was Christiana Figueres?
Costa Rican climate diplomat who served as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and led the Paris Agreement negotiations.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Christiana Figueres (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Karen Christiana Figueres Olsen was born on August 7, 1956, in San José, Costa Rica. She studied at Swarthmore College and later at the London School of Economics and Political Science, gaining knowledge in economics and international relations that became key in her diplomatic career.
Figueres worked in areas related to climate change, cooperation between nations, energy, land use, and sustainable development. Her diplomatic skills and deep understanding of international negotiations made her a leading voice in global environmental policy. In July 2010, she became the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking on this important role just six months after the disappointing results of COP15 in Copenhagen.
During her six years as UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Figueres worked on repairing the global climate change negotiation process. Her leadership and diplomacy were crucial in creating the conditions for the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is viewed as a major success in international climate policy. The agreement marked a significant change from previous strategies, with nearly all nations agreeing to work on limiting global warming.
In 2016, Figueres ran for United Nations Secretary General as Costa Rica's candidate. Although she was initially a frontrunner, she eventually withdrew from the race after realizing she didn't have enough support. After her time at the UN, she co-founded Global Optimism, an organization that focuses on climate solutions and positive environmental change.
Figueres has continued her climate advocacy by co-authoring "The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis" in 2020 with Tom Rivett-Carnac. She also co-hosts the popular podcast "Outrage and Optimism," discussing climate issues and solutions. Her work has been recognized with various prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Four Freedoms Award Freedom Medal, and being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Before Fame
Growing up in Costa Rica during the 1960s and 1970s, Figueres saw her country become a leader in environmental conservation and peaceful diplomacy. Costa Rica's decision to abolish its military in 1948 and focus on education and environmental protection created a unique national setting that likely influenced her career path.
The environmental movement was gaining strength during her formative years, with events like the first Earth Day in 1970 and rising awareness of global environmental issues. Her education at Swarthmore College, known for its Quaker values and focus on social responsibility, and later at the London School of Economics, gave her the analytical tools and international outlook she needed for her future in global climate diplomacy.
Key Achievements
- Led negotiations resulting in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement as UNFCCC Executive Secretary
- Rebuilt global climate negotiating process following the Copenhagen COP15 failure
- Co-founded Global Optimism organization focused on climate solutions
- Co-authored bestselling book 'The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis'
- Served as Costa Rica's candidate for UN Secretary General in 2016
Did You Know?
- 01.She was named to Nature's 10 list in 2015, recognizing the most important people in science that year
- 02.Received honorary doctorates from both Concordia University and Georgetown University
- 03.Was awarded the Edinburgh Medal in 2019 for her contributions to humanity
- 04.Included in BBC 100 Women list in 2023, highlighting influential women worldwide
- 05.Holds the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour from France and Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau from the Netherlands
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany | — | — |
| honorary doctorate of Concordia University | — | — |
| honorary doctor of Georgetown University | — | — |
| Nature's 10 | 2015 | — |
| Four Freedoms Award – Freedom Medal | 2018 | — |
| BBC 100 Women | 2023 | — |
| Edinburgh Medal | 2019 | — |
| Knight of the Legion of Honour | — | — |
| Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau | — | — |
| Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | — | — |
| Dan David Prize | 2019 | — |