Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres is the founding partner of Global Optimism, an organization inspiring people and businesses to face climate change and take action towards a regenerative future. Projects and partnerships include The Climate Pledge, The Earthshot Prize, Future Stewards and Count Us In. She is co-host of the podcast "Outrage + Optimism," a weekly podcast tackling the climate crisis head-on.

Christiana Figueres is a board member of the Earth Species Project. She attests we urgently need to move beyond the myth of human supremacy and to recognize humanity as just one of millions of species on this planet.

Figueres is recognized as a leading figure in global climate policy for her role as executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. During her tenure, the "Paris Agreement" was negotiated, uniting nearly every nation in a commitment to climate action and establishing a new benchmark for international cooperation on environmental issues.

Beyond her work with the United Nations, Figueres has continued to influence the climate agenda as a public speaker, author, and strategic advisor. She co-authored the book "The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis," which outlines actionable strategies for individuals and organizations to address climate change. Her perspectives are regularly featured in major media outlets, and she is a frequent keynote speaker at global forums, including TED and the World Economic Forum, where she shares her expertise on sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental policy.

Figueres has received numerous awards and honors, including recognition from TIME as one of the world’s most influential people. She is known for her ability to communicate complex scientific and policy issues clearly, establishing her as a credible voice in the climate movement. Figueres often addresses the challenges encountered in advancing climate action, highlighting the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and hope in overcoming barriers to progress.

Her ongoing work as a thought leader and advocate continues to engage governments, businesses, and civil society in efforts toward sustainability, reinforcing her role in environmental diplomacy and public engagement.