Jose Maria Figueres new Carbon War Room President
- By Richard Branson -
- Apr 11, 2012
Welcome to Jose Maria Figueres, the new President of the Carbon War Room. It’s fantastic to have somebody of Jose Maria’s stature and commitment running the Carbon War Room.
Jose Maria was president of Costa Rica between 94-98 (one term constitution). He mainstreamed the environment into all national planning programs as the business opportunity it is. He is famous for coining the phrase “there is no planet B”. His father was also President of Costa Rica and abolished the army. It is therefore perhaps ironic that his son is now running something called the War Room!
When we set up the Carbon War Room there was a lot of debate about whether it was wrong to call it that. I actually insisted that as we are fighting a war on carbon, the name said exactly what it was meant to say. Since the Carbon War Room is set up to come up with answers to stop the world being damaged from the effects of climate change, the name portrayed the urgency and degree of mobilisation required.
The Carbon War Room is doing fantastic work with many different sectors to decrease their carbon footprints. Rather than condemn or punish, the focus is on eliminating market barriers so that sectors such as shipping and aviation can make money and save the planet at the same time.
They are doing a brilliant job and under Jose Maria’s stewardship will go onwards and upwards. It’s also great news that previous President Jigar Shah is staying on the board of the Carbon War Room to continue the work he has done so far.
We look forward to working with Jose Maria and the Carbon War Room and continuing to fight the war on carbon.
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
