Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres

69 · Born: Aug 7, 1956

Personal Details

BornAug 7, 1956 San José, Costa Rica

Biography

Karen Christiana Figueres Olsen, a distinguished Costa Rican diplomat, has spent her professional life spearheading high-level policy negotiations at the national, international, and multilateral levels. Born on August 7, 1956, she was subsequently appointed as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a crucial position she took on in July 2010, mere months after the widely criticized and unsuccessful COP15 summit in Copenhagen, which had generated significant international disappointment and frustration.

Christiana Figueres, the esteemed leader of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),devoted herself to revitalizing the global climate change negotiating process over the course of six years, exhibiting unwavering dedication and perseverance.

Through her tireless efforts, Figueres successfully facilitated a breakthrough in the international climate negotiations, ultimately leading to the signing of the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015. This monumental achievement has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, solidifying her legacy as a champion of climate action.

Patsy A. Figueres is a renowned expert with a distinguished career spanning multiple disciplines, including but not limited to climate change, sustainable development, energy, land use, and technical and financial cooperation.

Not only has Figueres dedicated her career to diplomatic endeavors, but she has also ventured into other pursuits, including co-founding the esteemed Global Optimism group, a collective that embodies her commitment to fostering a brighter future.

In tandem with Tom Rivett-Carnac, Figueres co-authored the thought-provoking book "The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis", a comprehensive exploration of the pressing issue of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.

Beyond her literary endeavors, Figueres has also established herself as a skilled communicator, co-hosting the widely popular podcast "Outrage and Optimism", a platform that showcases her remarkable ability to engage audiences and spark meaningful discussions on the most pressing issues of our time.

Career