Karen Christiana Figueres Olsen, popularly known as Christiana Figueres, is a Costa Rican diplomat recognized globally as a leader in climate change. Born in 1956, Figueres served as executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010–16. Following the Copenhagen conference in 2009, Figueres took the helm of international climate negotiations, guiding the process toward a widely accepted regulatory framework.

Figueres presided over UNFCCC conferences in Cancun (2010), Durban (2011), Doha (2012), Warsaw (2013), and Lima (2014), culminating in the landmark Paris Agreement that was signed on 22 April 2016. This legally binding international treaty on climate change was adopted by 196 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris. The US withdrew from the agreement in 2020, rejoined in 2021, and announced its withdrawal again this year.

Figueres is celebrated as one of the architects of the Paris Agreement and has since become a prominent figure in climate action and communication outside the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, co-hosting the popular podcast Outrage + Optimism and speaking globally on the challenges and opportunities of addressing climate change.

Transforming tragic circumstances into hope and optimism through a meeting with the Buddha

Just as she entered one of the most important periods of her diplomatic career, a major shock in her former marriage brought significant upheaval to Figueres’ life. She had dedicated herself to instilling strong values and principles in her family, and after 25 years she had what she considered an ideal marriage and family, which she would call a “picture book marriage” or “picture book family.” However, an unexpected revelation from her ex-husband shattered their relationship, leaving her life unmoored and upturned. The emotional trauma was profound, particularly as she was simultaneously leading negotiations for the Paris Agreement.

This chaotic period proved exceptionally challenging. Figueres chose to conceal her suffering from colleagues, determined to shield them from her pain. Despite the stress, she never took a day off from work. Each night, she cried herself to sleep, nevertheless waking up each morning, showering, and smiling before heading to the office. She inspired her team to collaborate with dedication and enthusiasm to achieve their goals for the global public good. Figueres was leading a dual life: a nocturnal reality steeped in sorrow and a daily reality defined by professionalism and international high stakes.

Over time, this internal conflict became unbearable. As suicidal thoughts emerged, it became increasingly difficult to reconcile her professional identity with her authentic, personal self. The emotional burden felt increasingly insurmountable.

During this critical juncture, Figueres was guided to the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022), the revered Vietnamese Zen teacher and a pioneer of engaged Buddhism. From her residence in Germany, Figueres embarked on an unfamiliar journey, entering a monastery in Waldbrol without any preconceived notions or ideas about Buddhism. This monastery was once a mental institution with 700 patients, and had at one time been occupied by the Hitler Youth. Now, however, the energy had completely changed, with minds redirected toward cultivating bodhicitta and benefiting all beings. Figueres became deeply involved with the Plum Village tradition, which focuses on the application of mindfulness in everyday activities. She gained significant insights into her suffering, and instead of avoiding or suppressing her grief, she learned to confront and understand it, ultimately regaining control over her circumstances.

Applying the Buddhist teachings in personal and professional settings

The Buddhist teachings learned from the Plum Village tradition not only transformed Figueres’s personal life, but also enhanced her professional endeavors. Reflecting on her experiences, she now believes that achieving the Paris Agreement would have been considerably more challenging without guidance and insights gained from the Buddhist teachings. In an interview with the On Being podcast, Figueres discussed the impact of these teachings on her work:

Oh my gosh, it is so helpful for my professional life, because the truths that I was learning apply to me as an individual, but also apply to everyone else collectively, and above all, applies to all levels of the system. And I honestly think that if I had not had that guidance and those teachings, I don’t know how we would ever have gotten the Paris Agreement, because it was just so fundamental. (On Being)

Figueres credits Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom for playing a pivotal role in helping her develop the strength, wisdom, and compassion that was critical to forge ahead with the unprecedented deal at the Paris Agreement. She has noted: “I don’t think I would have had the inner stamina, the depth of optimism, the depth of commitment, the depth of the inspiration if I had not been accompanied by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh,” (Huffpost)

Having discovered Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, Figueres found them instrumental in maintaining her agency and spirits, especially during low moments. She noted that they provided her with the inner stamina, depth of optimism, and commitment required for seeing through this milestone in a multilateral, global forum. She also expressed conviction that these teachings could benefit others, leading her to offer retreats that provide a supportive environment for colleagues. Before the Paris Agreement, Figueres sensed a profound sense of duty among the staff: that they were called to alter the course of the climate crisis and biodiversity crises for future generations. This self-imposed obligation made the task extremely challenging, as many variables remained beyond their control.

However, the power of the Buddhist teachings revealed that humans represent a small aspect of a vast, ever-evolving existence. Understanding the distinction between the small differences one can make through daily labor and the ultimate reality influenced by other forces provided her with significant clarity and even comfort.

In various lectures and interviews, Figueres emphasizes that transforming systems must begin internally, as individuals embody those systems. Recognizing that climate change is anthropogenic, she highlights that phenomena such as unregulated capitalism, white supremacy, and overconsumption are unique to humanity. This insight encourages reflection on the importance of acknowledging personal contributions to climate change.

Figueres has reflected often on the intense emotions generated by the climate crisis. She also has shared thoughts on how we can transform universally experienced pain. Transformation does not involve ignoring or suppressing emotions. Rather, the challenge lies in purposefully harnessing these feelings and channelling them into constructive action in the world. Her insights resonate deeply, as she articulates that her spiritual practice is not separate from her work: “For me, my spiritual practice is not separate from my work. It is not in parallel—it is the foundation. It allows me to be aligned, to show up with clarity, compassion and conviction.” (Fair Planet)

Figueres also notes that many leaders, especially those advocating for climate justice, carry deep wounds within them. Without engaging in self-reflection, burnout and despair is inevitable. Embracing a spiritual or meditative practice is crucial for sustainable leadership. This emphasis on personal wellbeing enables leaders to face challenges with resilience and clarity, developing a more effective and compassionate approach to their work.

See more

The Power of Optimism: A Conversation with Christiana Figueres (Fair Planet)
This Buddhist Monk Is An Unsung Hero In The World’s Climate Fight (HuffPost)
On Being with Krista Tippett: Christiana Figueres – Ecological Hope, and Spiritual Evolution (On Being)
What Christiana Figueres thinks the climate movement can learn from Buddhism (Yale Climate Connections)

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Buddhist Voices in the Climate Crisis: The Eightfold Path of Sustainability
Truth and Consequences: Capitalism, Climate Change, and the World We Created
Buddhistdoor View: Overcoming Our Denial of Responsibility for Climate Change