Christiana Figueres
UN Climate Champion | Paris Agreement Architect and Climate Action Catalyst
About
Christiana Figueres stands as one of the most influential figures in global climate diplomacy, having played a pivotal role in securing the historic Paris Climate Agreement. Her insider perspective on the complex negotiations and diplomatic strategies that led to this landmark international accord provides unique insights into how seemingly impossible global challenges can be overcome through persistence and strategic collaboration.
Figueres brings a distinctive approach to climate action that balances realism with unwavering optimism. Rather than succumbing to climate despair, she makes a compelling case for what she calls "stubborn optimism" - a mindset that acknowledges the severity of climate challenges while maintaining faith in humanity's capacity to rise to meet them.
Her work with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy demonstrates her commitment to translating international agreements into actionable local solutions, bridging the gap between global policy and grassroots implementation.
What Christiana Talks About
Behind the scenes of international climate negotiations and the Paris Agreement
Building consensus among diverse stakeholders in complex global challenges
The psychology of stubborn optimism in the face of overwhelming problems
Translating international climate commitments into local action
Leadership strategies for driving systemic change in environmental policy
Talks2
The case for stubborn optimism on climate
"This decade is a moment of choice unlike any we have ever lived," says Christiana Figueres, the architect of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement. The daughter of Costa Rica's beloved President José Figueres Ferrer, she shares how her father's unwillingness to lose the country he loved taught her how stubborn optimism can catalyze action and change. With an unshakeable determination to fight for the generations that will come after us, Figueres describes what stubborn optimism is (and isn't) -- and urges everyone to envision and work for the future they want for humanity.
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Al Gore
Nobel Peace Prize Winner | Climate Crisis Catalyst and Global Environmental Leader
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Angel Hsu
Environmental Scientist | Entrepreneurship for Sustainability
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Bill Gates
Microsoft Co-founder | Co-chair of the Gates Foundation
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Chris Anderson
TED's curator and author | Revealing the art of world-class speaking
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
His Holiness Pope Francis
His Holiness Pope Francis | Moral Leadership in a Polarized World
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Johan Rockström
Environmental Scientist | Climate Change & Sustainability Thought Leader
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
John Doerr
Kleiner Perkins chairman | Backed Google, Amazon, Twitter; introduced OKRs to the world
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Monica Araya
Clean Energy Innovator | Sustainability Strategist
2 shared events · Countdown, TED
Similar Speakers
Speakers with related expertise
Felix Finkbeiner
Founder at Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation
Andri Snær Magnason
Icelandic Filmmaker | Storyteller & Activist
Jamey Stillings
Documentary Photographer | Capturing the Energy Transition
Johan Rockström
Environmental Scientist | Climate Change & Sustainability Thought Leader