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131. Being Smartly Selfish is Selfless with President Carlos Alvarado

56 min • 2 december 2021

¡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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Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now!

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Mentioned links from the episode:

Listen: The Way Out Is In Podcast

Thank you to our guest this week:

Carlos Alvarado Quesada

President | Costa Rica

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