Karen Christiana Figueres Olsen, popularly known as Christiana Figueres, is a Costa Rican diplomat recognized worldwide 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 to 2016. After the Copenhagen conference in 2009, Figueres took the lead in international climate negotiations, guiding the process towards a regulatory framework that was widely accepted.
Figueres chaired the UNFCCC conferences in Cancun (2010), Durban (2011), Doha (2012), Warsaw (2013) and Lima (2014), culminating in the historic Paris Agreement that was signed on April 22, 2016. This legally binding international treaty on climate change was adopted by 196 countries at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris. The United States 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-presenting the popular podcast “Outrage + Optimism” and speaking globally about the challenges and opportunities of addressing climate change.
Transforming tragic circumstances into hope and optimism through an encounter with the Buddha
Just as he entered one of the most important periods of his diplomatic career, a great shock in his former marriage caused a significant change in Figueres's life. He had dedicated himself to instilling strong values and principles in his family, and after 25 years he had what he considered to be an ideal family and marriage, which he called a “fairytale marriage” or a “fairytale family”. However, an unexpected revelation from her ex-husband shattered their relationship, leaving their life disrupted and adrift. The emotional trauma was profound, particularly since I was simultaneously leading the negotiations for the Paris Agreement.
This chaotic period proved to be exceptionally challenging. Figueres chose to hide her suffering from her colleagues, determined to protect them from their pain. Despite the stress, he never took a day off from work. Every night, she cried herself to sleep, but she still woke up every morning, showered and smiled before heading to the office. He inspired his team to collaborate with dedication and enthusiasm to achieve their goals for the global public good. Figueres was leading a double life: a nighttime reality imbued with sadness and a daily reality defined by professionalism and high international interests.
Over time, this internal conflict became unbearable. As suicidal thoughts emerged, it became increasingly difficult to reconcile their professional identity with their true personal self. The emotional burden felt increasingly insurmountable.
During this critical juncture, Figueres was guided by the teachings of Zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926-2022), the revered Vietnamese Zen master and pioneer of committed Buddhism. From his residence in Germany, Figueres embarked on an unexpected journey, entering a monastery in Waldbröl without preconceived notions or ideas about Buddhism. This monastery was once a mental institution with 700 patients, and at one time it had been occupied by the Hitler Youth. Now, however, the energy had completely changed, with minds redirected to the cultivation of Bodhicitta and the benefit of all beings. Figueres was deeply involved with the Plum Village tradition, which focuses on the application of mindfulness to everyday activities. He gained important knowledge about his suffering and, instead of avoiding or suppressing his pain, he learned to face and understand it, eventually regaining control over his circumstances.
Applying Buddhist teachings in personal and professional environments
The Buddhist teachings learned from the Plum Village tradition not only transformed Figueres' personal life, but also enhanced their professional efforts. Reflecting on his experiences, he now believes that achieving the Paris Agreement would have been considerably more difficult without the guidance and insights gained from Buddhist teachings. In an interview with the podcast “On Being”, Figueres discussed the impact of these teachings on his work:
My God, it's so useful for my professional life, because the truths I was learning apply to me as an individual, but they also apply to everyone else collectively, and above all, they apply to all levels of the system. And I honestly think that if I hadn't had that guidance and those teachings, I don't know how we would have achieved the Paris Agreement, because it was simply fundamental (“On Being”)
Figueres attributes to the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh a fundamental role in helping her to develop the strength, wisdom and compassion that were critical to moving forward with the unprecedented agreement in the Paris Agreement. He said: “I don't think I would have had the inner resistance, the depth of optimism, the depth of commitment, the depth of inspiration if I hadn't been accompanied by the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh” (Huffpost).
Upon discovering the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh, Figueres found them fundamental to maintaining his agency and spirit, especially during low times. He noted that they provided him with the inner resilience, depth of optimism and commitment necessary to see through this milestone in a multilateral and global forum. She also expressed the conviction that these teachings could benefit others, leading her to offer retreats that provide a supportive environment for colleagues. Before the Paris Agreement, Figueres perceived a deep sense of duty among 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 out of their control.
However, the power of Buddhist teachings revealed that humans represent a small aspect of a vast and constantly evolving existence. Understanding the distinction between the small differences one can make through daily work and the ultimate reality influenced by other forces provided him with significant clarity and even comfort.
In several conferences and interviews, Figueres emphasizes that transforming systems must begin internally, as individuals embody those systems. Recognizing that climate change is anthropogenic, he highlights that phenomena such as unregulated capitalism, white supremacy and excessive consumption are unique to humanity. This perspective encourages reflection on the importance of recognizing personal contributions to climate change.
Figueres has often reflected on the intense emotions generated by the climate crisis. He has also shared thoughts on how we can transform the pain experienced universally. Transformation doesn't involve ignoring or suppressing emotions. Rather, the challenge lies in deliberately harnessing these feelings and channeling them into constructive action in the world. His ideas resonate deeply, as he articulates that his spiritual practice is not separate from his work: “For me, my spiritual practice is not separate from my work. It's not parallel: it's the foundation. It allows me to be aligned, to present myself with clarity, compassion and conviction” (Fair Planet)
Figueres also points out that many leaders, especially those who advocate for climate justice, have deep wounds within them. Without engaging in self-reflection, exhaustion and despair are inevitable. Adopting a spiritual or meditative practice is crucial for sustainable leadership. This emphasis on personal well-being allows leaders to face challenges with resilience and clarity, developing a more effective and compassionate approach to their work.
Dipen Barua
Dr. Dipen Barua is a teaching member of the Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong. She has written a book and published several articles in Bengali and English on Buddhist studies, women's issues, Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, and cultural heritage.
