Christiana Figueres is a globally-renowned climate change campaigner, best known for leading the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, which has been pivotal in driving global sustainability efforts. As a sought-after speaker, Christiana shares her invaluable expertise in climate action and sustainability, offering insights into the political and business leadership required to decelerate climate change. Her deep experience in global politics, particularly her role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), positions her as an authoritative voice on environmental transformation.
Christiana's career journey began in 1995 when she represented the Costa Rican Government at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. Over the years, she held significant roles, including Minister Counsellor at the Costa Rican Embassy and Director of Renewable Energy in the Americas. In 2002, she proposed the Programmatic Clean Development Mechanism, a proposal that gained support from over 100 developing countries and laid the foundation for major emissions reduction initiatives. Her strategic leadership played a crucial role in the development of the Paris Agreement, bringing together nearly 200 nations to agree on transformative climate commitments.
In recent years, Christiana has continued to lead the charge for climate action through her ventures. In collaboration with her former Senior Advisor, Tom Rivett-Carnac, she co-founded Global Optimism and published “The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis”. She also co-hosts the podcast “Outrage & Optimism”, further amplifying her commitment to global sustainability. Her dedication has been recognised with prestigious awards such as the Dan David Prize in 2019 and inclusion in Fortune’s 2016 list of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. Christiana's influence extends to her work with major companies, guiding them towards achieving their climate goals.
Christiana Figueres is in high demand as a speaker due to her unrivalled expertise and leadership in the climate change arena. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, with a unique ability to translate complex policy into actionable strategies for businesses and organisations. From advising corporations like Impossible Foods to her work with Formula E, Christiana’s insights help companies understand the critical role they play in tackling the climate crisis. Leaders hire her to gain actionable advice on how they can contribute to a sustainable future, making her a key voice in today’s business and political landscape.