Christiana Figueres Closed Now

Early Life and Education

Christiana Figueres was born in 1956 in San José, Costa Rica, into a family deeply involved in politics and diplomacy. Her father, José Figueres Ferrer, served as the President of Costa Rica three times, instilling in her a strong sense of public service.

She earned a degree in Anthropology from Swarthmore College in the United States and later obtained a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics. She also trained in organizational development, which later became vital in her ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Career Overview

Christiana Figueres’ career began in Costa Rica, where she worked in public service roles related to environmental and social development. She later moved into international diplomacy, becoming one of the world’s most influential climate negotiators.

From 2010 to 2016, she served as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She took on this role in the aftermath of the failed Copenhagen climate summit (COP15), facing immense pressure to rebuild trust and create a global agreement on climate change.

Her diplomatic skills and ability to unite governments, NGOs, and the private sector were critical in securing the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015, a legally binding international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C.

Philosophy and Approach to Sustainable Infrastructure

Figueres believes that sustainable infrastructure is the foundation of global climate stability and economic prosperity. Her approach emphasizes:

1. Long-Term Climate Goals – Infrastructure must be compatible with net-zero emissions by 2050.

2. Equitable Development – Infrastructure investments should reduce inequality and provide access to clean energy, transportation, and housing for all.

3. Innovation and Collaboration – Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to develop transformative infrastructure solutions.

Major Contributions and Projects

Paris Agreement Leadership

As head of the UNFCCC, Figueres orchestrated the diplomatic process that led to the Paris Agreement, which now guides global climate policy and infrastructure planning.

Mission 2020 Initiative

After leaving the UN, she co-founded Mission 2020, an initiative to accelerate climate action, including large-scale investments in sustainable cities, renewable energy, and resilient infrastructure.

Advocacy for Nature-Based Solutions

Figueres promotes the integration of natural ecosystems into infrastructure planning, such as mangrove restoration for coastal protection and urban green spaces for heat reduction.

Awards and Recognition

• TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” (2016)

• Foreign Policy’s “Top 100 Global Thinkers” (2015, 2016)

• Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour, France (2016)

• Climate Breakthrough Award (2018)

Global Influence

Figueres is a sought-after speaker at international forums, including the World Economic Forum and the United Nations. She advises governments, corporations, and civil society organizations on aligning infrastructure projects with climate goals.

She also co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism, where she discusses climate leadership and sustainable infrastructure innovations.

Vision for the Future

Her vision for sustainable infrastructure is deeply intertwined with climate justice. She advocates for clean public transportation systems, zero-emission energy grids, climate-resilient housing, and the protection of natural landscapes as infrastructure assets.

For Figueres, sustainable infrastructure is not just about building roads or bridges—it’s about designing systems that improve people’s lives while restoring the planet