131. Being Smartly Selfish is Selfless with President Carlos Alvarado

¡Feliz Día de la Abolición del Ejército en Costa Rica!

Happy Military Abolition Day in Costa Rica!

Every year on December 1st, the country of Costa Rica celebrates the day that Christiana’s father and former Costa Rican president, José Figueres Ferrer, abolished their national army and redirected that part of the national budget to biodiversity and education. This year marks the 73rd anniversary!

So with that in mind, we take a break from our COP26 reflections to speak with President Carlos Alvarado of Costa Rica! With over 50% of their country re-forested, an energy grid that is 99.5% renewables, and ZERO investments in weapons or military, Costa Rica is a model for how to lead sustainably in a world of compounding crises. How does Costa Rica do it, and what can other countries learn from this example?

May we all be more like Costa Rica!

And! Stick around ‘til the end for a soulful tune from musical artist Bobby Bazini!

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Mentioned links from the episode:

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Thank you to our guest this week:

Carlos Alvarado Quesada

President | Costa Rica

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The incredible Bobby Bazini is our musical guest this week!

Bobby Bazini

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Keep up with Christiana Figueres here:

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Tom Rivett-Carnac:

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Paul Dickinson:

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