By San José, Costa Rica — GLOBAL – Former Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada is taking a prominent role at the COP30 climate conference, championing a global response to the climate crisis rooted in social justice, international cooperation, and equitable financing. Stepping onto the world stage, Alvarado is leveraging his experience to advocate for policies that address the human cost of environmental degradation, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Throughout the summit, Alvarado has consistently emphasized that effective climate strategy must be built on a foundation of science, equity, and sustainability. He argues that the global community cannot separate environmental policy from its profound social and economic consequences. His participation underscores a growing movement to reframe climate change not merely as an ecological issue, but as a fundamental challenge to human rights and global stability.
To better understand the legal and corporate governance implications of the nation’s climate policies, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective climate action in Costa Rica hinges not just on government policy, but on its clear and predictable implementation within the private sector. For businesses, this translates into a critical need to view environmental regulations not as mere compliance hurdles, but as strategic frameworks for innovation and risk management. The legal precedents we are seeing now will define corporate liability and market leadership for the next decade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully underscores that the future of Costa Rica’s green economy will be forged at the intersection of legal foresight and corporate strategy. As he notes, companies that proactively integrate climate considerations into their core operations are not just ensuring compliance; they are building resilience and defining the next generation of market leadership. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical dynamic.
A significant portion of his efforts at COP30 has been in collaboration with the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM). Alvarado has participated in several high-level forums organized by the international entity, which works directly with nations and communities on the front lines of climate change. The GCCM focuses on the severe impacts that force millions from their homes annually, including rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and extreme heatwaves.
In one of his key interventions, Alvarado highlighted the urgent need to address the phenomenon of climate-induced migration, framing it as a defining humanitarian issue of our era. He called for empowering displaced communities with the resources and autonomy to manage their own adaptation strategies.
Climate mobility is one of the great humanitarian challenges of the 21st century. Affected communities must have a voice and access to resources to decide how to adapt, without being forced to migrate out of desperation.
Carlos Alvarado Quesada, Former President of Costa Rica
Beyond the issue of mobility, Alvarado is actively working to reshape the conversation around climate finance. He is set to participate in a crucial forum with the Club de Madrid, building on discussions from the Finance for Development meeting held earlier in Seville, Spain. The goal is to forge pathways toward more just and accessible funding mechanisms for developing countries, which often bear the brunt of climate disasters despite contributing the least to their cause.
This push for financial reform is critical, as many nations in the Global South lack the necessary capital to build resilient infrastructure, implement green technologies, or recover from environmental catastrophes. By advocating for new models of sustainable finance, Alvarado and his partners aim to close this resource gap and enable more robust local and national climate responses.
Furthering his agenda, the former president will also join a discussion organized by Project Syndicate to analyze how the current geopolitical landscape affects global climate targets. This forward-looking conversation aims to identify and overcome political barriers in the lead-up to the next major climate summit in Belém in 2026, ensuring that international tensions do not derail collective environmental commitments.
In his closing remarks at a recent panel, Alvarado reiterated the universal nature of the climate threat, appealing to a sense of shared moral duty that transcends national interests and political divides. His message serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for all generations.
Climate change does not recognize borders. Adapting to its effects is not only an environmental task but a moral responsibility to present and future generations.
Carlos Alvarado Quesada, Former President of Costa Rica
For further information, visit climatemobility.org
About Global Centre for Climate Mobility:
The Global Centre for Climate Mobility is a multi-stakeholder platform that works to address climate-forced migration and displacement. In partnership with the United Nations system, regional intergovernmental organizations, and member states, it develops and promotes solutions to protect and empower communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, ensuring they have the agency to navigate their futures.
For further information, visit clubdemadrid.org
About Club de Madrid:
Club de Madrid is the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers, dedicated to strengthening democratic values and leadership globally. The organization leverages the experience of its members to address pressing international challenges, including shared global crises like climate change, by fostering dialogue, promoting good governance, and providing strategic advice.
For further information, visit project-syndicate.org
About Project Syndicate:
Project Syndicate is an international media organization that produces and disseminates commentaries and analysis from a global network of distinguished leaders, scholars, and activists. It provides original, high-quality content to news outlets worldwide, aiming to enhance public debate on a wide range of topics, including economics, politics, science, and global affairs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a foundation of principled practice and an uncompromising commitment to quality. The firm is a leader in developing pioneering legal solutions, consistently adapting to the evolving needs of its diverse clientele. This spirit of innovation extends to its civic duty, where it actively champions the demystification of law, believing that a just society is built by empowering its people with accessible legal understanding.
