Christiana Figueres

What does it take to get the whole world to agree with you? Where do all great change movements begin—and what kind of leadership can unify nations in a time of deep division? Which leadership coach can you turn to in every season of change—timeless, wordless, and always present? What’s the connection between personal and planetary resilience? And why is spiritual grounding essential for today’s leaders and changemakers? Find out from Christiana Figueres, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast. Christiana Figueres is one of the world’s most influential climate leaders, best known for her role as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, where she led the six-year diplomatic effort that culminated in the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, uniting 195 nations in a shared climate commitment. After leaving the UN, she co-founded Global Optimism , a social-purpose organization advancing the mindset and momentum needed for global climate solutions. She also co-hosts the award-winning podcast Outrage & Optimism , one of the world’s top climate podcasts, and is the co-author of the international bestseller, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis , which introduces the mindset of “stubborn optimism” and outlines the actions required to build a regenerative future. In this episode, Christiana reveals: - How to get the whole world to agree with you - Our best leadership coach in epic and everyday moments - Why spiritual grounding is essential for today’s leaders and changemakers

What does it take to lead when the stakes are global — and failure is not an option? Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres joins Jessica Espinoza on Catch the Upswing to reflect on the leadership behind the Paris Agreement — and what it demands from us in the defining decade ahead. We are not running out of solutions — we are running out of time. This conversation goes beyond climate policy. It’s about what it takes to lead through complexity, uncertainty, and global stakes — and why trust, resilience, and long-term thinking are no longer optional. Christiana shares insights from inside one of the most consequential global negotiations of our time, and what those lessons mean for leaders, founders, and changemakers navigating today’s world. 🎙️ In this episode, we explore: The leadership behind the Paris Agreement Why trust is the foundation of systemic change Navigating complexity and uncertainty What this decade demands from all of us Climate, responsibility, and long-term thinking 🔗 Resources & references: Outrage + Optimism: https://outrageandoptimism.org Global Optimism: https://www.globaloptimism.com/ Fix the News : https://fixthenews.com ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:14 Episode begins 02:54 10 years after Paris — where are we now? 03:16 The race between two exponential curves 06:05 The truth: we’re already in a changed world 09:16 This decade is a moment of choice 13:36 The failure that changed everything (Copenhagen) 19:10 From doom to possibility 24:31 The hardest battle is internal 28:03 What the Paris Agreement really achieved 32:06 Trade-offs, survival, and common ground 37:05 Rebuilding global trust from zero 39:50 Personal crisis during global negotiations 44:12 If Paris had failed — what would still stand? 50:34 Why resilience is a personal responsibility 55:02 The burden of being “the optimistic one” 59:00 Personal resilience and planetary resilience 1:02:17 How to live with outrage without burning out 1:06:56 Grief as a doorway to action 1:10:47 What gives Christiana optimism today 1:14:46 Women, climate, and leadership 1:20:44 What the next generation must believe 1:21:47 Closing reflections 🎧 Catch the Upswing is a video podcast exploring how leaders and changemakers build, lead, and drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world. 🔔 Subscribe for upcoming conversations with leaders and changemakers shaping the future. 🌍 Follow Catch the Upswing: Instagram → https://instagram.com/CatchTheUpswing TikTok → https://tiktok.com/@CatchTheUpswing #ClimateLeadership #ChristianaFigueres #ParisAgreement #ClimateAction #Leadership

Rune Lykkeberg taler i denne uge med den costaricanske topdiplomat Christiana Figueres, der var chefarkitekten bag Paris-aftalen i 2015 og anses for en af de største ledere indenfor klimaforandringer og international forhandling --- Ugens gæst hos Rune Lykkeberg er Christiana Figueres, som er en legende inden for klimakampen. Det var hende, som efter den mislykkede COP i København i 2009, fik til opgave af FN’s generalsekretær Ban Ki-moon at forberede den efterfølgende COP i Paris i 2015, der endte med Parisaftalen. Christiana Figueres er født i 1956 i San Jose på Costa Rica. Hendes far var præsident i tre perioder og regnes for det moderne Costa Ricas far. Hendes mor havde danske forældre, og Danmark har i det hele taget betydet meget for hende. Begge dele, både forholdet til hendes far og til hendes danske aner, kommer hun ind på i den følgende samtale. I dag har hun podcasten Outrage + Optimism sammen med Paul Dickinson og Tom Rivett-Carnac, som hun også har skrevet bogen The Future We Choose (2020) sammen med. Det er den bog, som er anledningen til, at Christiana Figueres er kommet til København. Hun er blevet inviteret af Det Kongelige Bibliotek, og interviewet finder sted fra scenen i Den Sorte Diamant foran et live-publikum. I løbet af samtalen tager Rune Lykkeberg og Christiana Figueres den store tur fra hendes opvækst over hendes forbindelse til Danmark til COP-skuffelsen i København, der stadig kalder tårerne frem, og hele vejen frem til det meget svære sted, som klimakampen står netop nu. Hvilke forventninger kan vi tillade os at have til COP30 i Belém i Brasilien? Også dét, kan du blive klogere på i denne uges episode med Christiana Figueres.

When Christiana Figueres was a young mother, she longed to share her love of nature with her daughters, a love sparked by watching golden toads shimmer like coins under the moonlight in a Costa Rican forest. Hoping to show them this rare beauty, she returned to the same park, only to learn that the species had gone extinct due to rising temperatures. That moment ignited her mission to leave a better planet for her children. In this episode, Christiana joins Ilana to share her journey to becoming a United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary and leading global climate efforts, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement. Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. In this episode, Ilana and Christiana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:53) Growing Up as Costa Rica’s President’s Daughter (06:24) The Life-Changing Experience in Rural Costa Rica (15:28) The Journey to Climate Change Advocacy (24:40) Key Lessons from the COP15 Climate Failure (30:45) Becoming UNFCCC Executive Secretary (35:50) Leading the Paris Agreement Negotiations (41:06) Building Trust in Global Climate Negotiations (47:39) Taking the Climate Mission Beyond the UN (51:03) Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers (54:05) Upcoming Projects and Digital Initiatives Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. With decades of experience in climate diplomacy, Christiana is a passionate global advocate for climate action and sustainable development. She is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of The Future We Choose . Connect with Christiana: Christiana’s Website: christianafigueres.com Christiana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianafigueres Resources Mentioned: Christiana’s Book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis : https://www.amazon.com/Future-We-Choose-Surviving-Climate/dp/0525658351 Christiana’s Podcast, Outrage + Optimism : outrageandoptimism.org Global Optimism: globaloptimism.com Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

General frustration with the result of the most recent UN climate conference (UNFCCC COP29) spurred the former UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres – under whose leadership the Paris Agreement was struck – to co-author a letter to the UN urging an overhaul to the COP process, and calling it "no longer fit for purpose." Figueres joins this episode to speak about why the world's governments seemingly cannot agree to move decisively on climate action, and what can be done about it. She shares why – despite these frustrations and disappointments – she remains optimistic about the global effort to decarbonize economies and transport systems, citing recent advancements in the deployment of renewable energy and the power of everyday actions: "I used to think that it was our collective responsibility to guarantee to future generations that they would have a perfect world. And now that I am a recent grandmother, I really look back at that and I go, 'my God, we cannot guarantee to future generations that they're going to have a perfect world.' We cannot. So, what can we do? We can do our darndest and we can wake up every morning and make a choice and say 'where am I going to put my energy today?'" she says. Figueres is also the co-host of the popular podcast, Outrage + Optimism , which features conversations and analysis about the climate crisis. Related reading at Mongabay.com: · COP29 ends in $300 billion deal, widespread dismay — and eyes toward COP30 · Top Mongabay podcast picks for 2024 Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify , and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website. Timecodes --- (00:00) A disappointing COP process (03:33) Has the Paris Agreement failed? (08:01) The renewable energy adoption s-curve (13:34) Electricity generation vs. consumption (18:55) Decarbonizing without mandates (23:29) Are we standing still? (31:16) Courage in choosing optimism (41:25) Reflections from a Colombian forest (48:12) Rachel changes her mind

In this episode of Therapy Works, we are honored to have Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognized leader on climate change and former executive secretary of the UNFCCC. Christiana shares her insights on the importance of balancing awareness of climate challenges with a sense of agency and optimism. We discuss her personal journey, the impact of impermanence on her life, and how love and courage can drive effective climate action. In the Mother/Daughter section, we explore our own experiences and discuss practical steps and emotional strategies for engaging with climate issues in a meaningful way. Resources: For starters, find out more about Christiana Figueres over on her website - http://christianafigueres.com/ You can find her podcast, Outrage and Optimism here - https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes And her book, The Future We Choose, is available here - https://www.globaloptimism.com/the-future-we-choose In the Mother/Daughter part of this episode, Sophie shares how she’s going to be writing a series of newsletters on Substack about how to talk about the Climate Crisis with your children. It’s aimed to be released in September. Until then, you can find our newsletter here - https://substack.com/@juliasamuel Christiana was very inspired by Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh. You can find out more about their message here - https://plumvillage.uk Here’s the episode Sophie mentioned with Krista Tippett and Christiana Figueres - https://onbeing.org/programs/christiana-figueres-ecological-hope-and-spiritual-evolution/ And here’s the other episode she mentioned from Therapist Uncensored - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/therapist-uncensored-podcast/id1146941306?i=1000626570204 Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Point of Relation, Thomas is joined by Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognized leader on global climate change. They discuss her extensive work in helping to create global regulatory frameworks around climate change, and how we can apply the power of our agency as a collective to work towards regeneration instead of creating more destruction. Christiana and Thomas observe how our individual healing processes mirror the social transformation humanity must undergo to address the climate crisis. They explore how we can fertilize the ground of possibility and see climate change not as an inevitable disaster, but as a portal for change and an opportunity to heal global injustices. ✨ Order Thomas’ book, “ Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma–And Our World” here : 👉 https://www.attunedbook.com/ ✨ Sign up for updates by visiting our website: 👉 https://pointofrelationpodcast.com Christiana Figueres is an internationally recognized leader on global climate change. She was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010 to 2016. She directed numerous successful Conferences of the Parties, culminating in the historical Paris Agreement of 2015. She is the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast “Outrage & Optimism” and is the co-author of the recently published book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis. ✨ Connect with Christiana here: 👉 https://christianafigueres.com/ 👉 https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/ Thomas Hübl, PhD, is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator who works within the complexity of systems and cultural change, integrating the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. Since the early 2000s, he has led large-scale events and courses on the healing of collective trauma. In addition to Attuned , he is the author of Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds . He has served as an advisor and guest faculty for universities and organizations, as a coach for CEOs and organizational leaders, and is currently a visiting scholar at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. ✨ Connect with Thomas here: Website: https://thomashuebl.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/Thomas.Huebl.Sangha/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomashuebl/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ThomasHuebl YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thomashuebl

En este episodio hablamos con Christiana Figueres, la influyente diplomática costarricense que guió el Acuerdo de París, nos revela su profunda travesía personal hacia la resiliencia y la transformación espiritual. Un año antes de lograr el histórico acuerdo climático, Christiana enfrentó una dolorosa ruptura matrimonial que la llevó a una profunda depresión y a considerar decisiones extremas. En su camino hacia la sanación, encontró el budismo y dejó atrás la victimización, construyendo una sólida infraestructura espiritual. Con renovado optimismo y fortaleza, Christiana continúa su incansable labor en la lucha contra el cambio climático, destacando la importancia del trabajo espiritual constante para los líderes. Más información en: ​ https://www.christineraine.org/ Seguinos en: IG: @theheroinesjourneyproject TikTok: @theheroinesjourney Este episodio tiene música original del cantautor británico Nick Mulvey

Sometimes you just have to disrupt the system! Christiana Figueres is a renowned leader in global climate change, known for her role as Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC from 2010-2016. She successfully led international climate negotiations in Cancun, Durban, Doha, Warsaw, and Lima, culminating in the historic Paris Agreement of 2015. She's credited with pioneering collaborative diplomacy. Today, she co-founded Global Optimism, co-hosts the podcast ‘ Outrage & Optimism’ , and co-authored ‘ The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis’. Luisa Neubauer is a youth climate activist and lead organizer of the German “Fridays for Future“ movement. Luisa was named one of the TIME100 Next of 2022. In 2021, Luisa and others won the landmark constitutional court ruling “Neubauer vs. Germany“ against the German government in a struggle for political climate action. Through her activism she’s met with president Macron, Angela Merkel and Barack Obama and has published three best-selling books on the climate crisis. In the final episode of season 3, Confessions of a Climate Activist, Clover sits down with Christiana Figueres and Luisa Neubauer to explore how to bring about system change to the structures that created and continue to worsen the climate crisis. Firstly, Clover and Christiana explore the importance of finding common ground and creating spaces that foster genuine dialogue and understanding. Then, Clover speaks with Luisa to dive into her experience as a climate justice activist. Stick around to hear Christiana and Luisa spill their climate confessions. “We don't share our views on the science… But do we share humanity? Are we both a member of the human family? and at least to that question we can always answer a resounding yes” - Christiana Figueres “It’s not about providing the facts to a head of state, but about providing the facts and the culture and the hope to people everywhere to then be empowered to change, to rise, to build power that challenges the status quo.” - Luisa Neubauer Follow Christiana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfigueres/ Website: http://christianafigueres.com/#/ Follow Luisa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luisaneubauer/ Resources Follow Force of Nature on: Instagram: (@forceofnature.xyz) https://force-of-nature.captivate.fm/instagram Twitter: (@fon_xyz) https://force-of-nature.captivate.fm/twitter TikTok: (@forceofnature.xyz) https://www.tiktok.com/@forceofnature.xyz LinkedIn: https://force-of-nature.captivate.fm/linkedin Aged 16-35? Get access to our free training and exclusive monthly calls by joining the Force of Nature community here: https://force-of-nature.captivate.fm/join-our-community To learn more about Force of Nature and subscribe to our newsletter, head to our website: https://force-of-nature.captivate.fm/force-of-nature-website We want to thank <a href="https://force-of-nature.captivate.f

Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres joins the Tortoise team to tell them what she thinks should lead the news. Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week it’s about the rise of college women’s basketball, fuelled by one charismatic star - Caitlin Clark. Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here . Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Guests: Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and host of the ‘ Outrage and Optimism ’ podcast Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire Executive producer: Lewis Vickers To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In consideration of Earth Day, April 22, 2024, we are pleased to present a re-release of our interview with Christiana Figueres. In this riveting conversation, Figueres makes the case for “stubborn optimism” in the face of our global climate crisis. Co-author of the book The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, and co-host of the podcast Outrage & Optimism , she has made significant contributions to environmental conservation and climate change action. As the former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Figueres played a crucial role in the negotiations leading up to the historic Paris Agreement in 2015. She continues to educate and advocate for action with unwavering, idealistic positivity. She is a powerful voice for Earth Day and beyond, inspiring us to join the fight against climate change and protect our planet for future generations. For more, visit goodcitizenpodcast.com . Follow us on Facebook @TRPresidentialLibrary , Instagram @trlibrary , and X @TRPresLibrary . And sign up for our newsletter at trlibrary.com/newsletter to stay up-to-date on the TRPL! -- Good Citizen is hosted by Ted Roosevelt V and produced by The Future of StoryTelling in collaboration with Charts & Leisure on behalf of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. Learn more about T.R.’s upcoming presidential library at www.trlibrary.com . Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation 350 Third Avenue Medora, North Dakota 58645 Future of StoryTelling Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Producers, Alison Byrne and Sarah Vitak Assistant Producer, Madison Brown Charts & Leisure Executive Producer, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix, Andrew Atkin Music and Final Assembly, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Christiana Figueres, Edward F. O’Keefe, Robbie Lauf, Courtland Miller, and Marina Mansilla.

Christiana Figueres' podcast Outrage + Optimism is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the complexity of the climate situation. This podcast is a preview of their mini-series, Our Story of Nature. In Episode 1 of the three-part series, Christiana Figueres, Isabel Cavelier Adarve and guests delve deep into the roots of humanity’s separation from nature. They explore moments where cracks may have appeared and widened, including the advent of farming and a particular interpretation of the Book of Genesis. How have certain ideas shaped different cultures’ relationships with the natural world, and what are their consequences? Is our distance from nature related to other forms of separation, like colonialism? How can we nurture and narrate new stories of our relationship with nature to address 21st Century problems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices