IE SPEGA x RAIA Summer Research Program 2024
This page displays six climate leaders (?!) that students from IE University’s School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs have researched under RAIA supervision and with RAIA’s methodology ahead of the COP29. This is the third year we have conducted this research program fully financed by our partners from IE University.
Each profile is divided into introduction, their Stake, their defining moment, their solutions, their impact and conclusion. “Their stake” analyses the key environmental challenges and issues a leader faces, “their defining moment” highlights the key moments that are pivotal to a leader becoming a climate leader, “their solutions” examines the policies and initiatives a leader provides and “their impact” analyses how effective a leader implements the proposed solutions and how impactful they are. In the end, the students answer the questions whether the leaders qualify as a climate leader and if so, into what category of climate leadership they fall.
Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi is the Secretary of the National Environment Commission for the Royal Government of Bhutan, one of the eight carbon neutral countries in the world. Under Wangdi’s tenure, Bhutan has taken a step further to become the first carbon negative country, offsetting about four times its carbon dioxide emissions.
To find out more read Sophia Rathleff & Maria de la Paz Gonzalez‘s report:
This section explores the climatic challenges Bhutan is facing. Bhutan remains highly vulnerable to the increasing rate of natural disasters caused by climate change. This vulnerability stems from both natural causes and the lack of sufficient infrastructure preparedness in the country, which amplifies the impact of these events and creates further challenges.
In the pursuit of transformational leader development, it is of great value to reflect on specific moments in life that illustrate the essence of who Wangdi aspires to be as a leader. This reflection is captured by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC), established in 1991, which emphasizes sustainable practices in leadership.
Wangdi’s most impactful solution regarding international involvement is the National Environment Strategy of 2020, followed by the Second Nationally Determined Contribution of 2021, and concluded with the First National Adaptation Plan of 2023. These strategic plans demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing climate challenges.
Throughout Wangdi’s leadership, Bhutan has taken the role of an example of efficient climate action. Additionally, he arguably helped modernize international climate policy, as there has been a noticeable reversal of roles in global climate policy, with Bhutan now setting standards for other nations to follow through the the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation.
Hage Geingob was born on the third of August 1941, and passed away on the 24th of February 2024. He was the Third President of the Republic of Namibia from 2015 until his death in February 2024. can be classified as a climate leader who is mainly driven by his state’s development. His climate policies were motivated by attracting foreign direct investment to Namibia.
To find out more read Clara Chikuse & Maja Prokopiuk’s report:
Hage Geingob prioritized addressing Namibia’s environmental challenges, advocating for foreign investment and international support to combat climate change’s effects on the country. He called for financial aid through the Paris Agreement to help Namibia and other African nations mitigate these impacts.
Hage Geingob’s experience in Namibia’s early state-building motivated his focus on development and climate action as essential for progress. His key role in drafting Namibia’s 2011 Climate Change Policy and earlier environmental legislation highlights his commitment to using climate policy as a tool for attracting foreign investment and fostering sustainable growth.
Hage Geingob’s 2011 National Climate Change Policy focused on addressing Namibia’s water insecurity, agriculture resilience, and food security through sustainable resource management. His leadership in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and NAMA initiatives further aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop renewable energy, and secure foreign funding to support Namibia’s socio-economic growth and climate resilience.
Hage Geingob’s climate policies led to notable progress in renewable energy expansion, job creation, and land conservation, though their broad scope and reliance on foreign funding posed challenges. Despite successes like the green hydrogen project, conflicting actions such as continued oil extraction and difficulties in reducing emissions raised concerns about long-term effectiveness.
Nemonte is an activist; since she was a child she has been motivated to fight for the protection of the Amazon rainforest from human activity and in favour of the fight against climate change and its global impacts. She can be seen as an altruistic leader, given the most influential aspect in her decisions is her desire to act as a leader within her community as well as an example of a successful activist for all indigenous peoples in the world.
To find out more read Lucinda Schueler & Matilde Romagnoli’s report:
Ecuador, home to rich biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest, faces increasing deforestation and environmental degradation due to economic reliance on oil and mining industries, despite efforts to protect nature. Nemonte Nenquimo, a Waorani indigenous leader, is driven by her maternal role and cultural heritage to fight for indigenous land rights and environmental protection against these destructive practices.
Nemonte Nequimo’s leadership, rooted in her Waorani upbringing, was shaped by witnessing the destructive impact of oil extraction in the Amazon. She co-founded the Ceibo Alliance, united indigenous communities, and led a successful 2019 referendum to halt new oil drilling, gaining international recognition for defending indigenous rights and the environment.
Nemonte Nequimo sued the Ecuadorian government for violating indigenous rights with decrees allowing oil and mining expansion, leading to their temporary suspension by the Supreme Court. She also co-founded global campaigns and the Sacred Headwaters Initiative, uniting tribes to protect 35 million hectares of Amazon rainforest.
Nemonte Nenquimo’s lawsuit against the Ecuadorian government led to a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the tribes’ right to consultation and the suspension of oil drilling plans in Yasuní Park. Her online campaign, “Our Rainforest is Not for Sale,” helped build international support, halting expansion and highlighting the global stakes of Amazon deforestation.
What factors shaped Carlos Manuel Rodríguez’s journey from a nature-loving child to a pioneering environmental lawyer, and how did his contributions influence Costa Rica’s environmental policies and global conservation efforts? This profile of Rodríguez’s background, career milestones, and policy impacts highlight his significant role in transforming Costa Rica and determine whether he is a climate leader.
To find out more read Francisco Jeldres & Valeria Flores’s report:
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez’s success in advancing environmental policies is tied to Costa Rica’s vulnerability to climate change, its reliance on eco-tourism, and strong public support for sustainability. Historical challenges like deforestation and water pollution have further shaped the country’s environmental priorities and legislative changes.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez’s environmental advocacy was profoundly shaped by his upbringing in nature and his father’s advice to study law instead of biology. His legal background allowed him to influence Costa Rica’s environmental policies, contributing to the country’s leadership in conservation and sustainable development on both national and global levels.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez played a key role in developing Costa Rica’s Payment for Environmental Services (PES). Despite initial resistance, PES became a vital tool in reversing deforestation. Rodríguez also led marine conservation initiatives and global efforts like the REDD+ program, showcasing his influence on national and international environmental policy.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez’s Payment for Environmental Services (PES) reversed deforestation in Costa Rica, increasing forest cover to 59% and inspiring global programs like the UN’s REDD+. He also led efforts to protect marine biodiversity through the Marine and Coastal Program, boosting sustainable fishing and ecotourism. His leadership earned international recognition.
Under Mottley’s leadership, Barbados went from a monarchy to a republican system. In 2021 she gave a speech in the UN, where she was later declared “Global leader of climate change”. She has also been recognized and looked at as a global climate leader for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Since her election, she has stressed the importance of Barbados transitioning to sustainable energy sources and adapting to the current and possible future effects of climate change. Lastly, in 2022, she got reelected as prime minister.
To find out more read Africa Romero and Sofia Damasio’s report:
Barbados faces environmental challenges like rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is focused on climate action, advocating for debt restructuring and economic diversification to protect vulnerable sectors like tourism and agriculture while promoting regional cooperation and resilience.
Mia Mottley’s defining moment in her climate action strategy was the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed Barbados’ vulnerability due to its reliance on sectors like tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all of which are also at risk from climate change. This realization led her to prioritize sustainable economic policies, as the impacts of the pandemic could be caused by climate change as well.
Mia Mottley’s solutions aim to reform global financial systems, boost sustainable marine resource use, and enhance infrastructure resilience to protect Barbados from climate change. Her efforts focus on economic stability, debt reduction, and securing climate resilience for small island nations like Barbados through innovative financial solutions and environmental protections.
Mia Mottley’s Bridgetown Initiative 3.0 seeks global financial reform, focusing on carbon taxes and $300 billion in climate resilience funding. Her Blue Economy and Roofs to Reefs initiatives promote sustainability, renewable energy, and economic resilience for Barbados. Mottley’s leadership has positioned Barbados as a global advocate for climate action, fostering international cooperation and innovation.
Sheikh Hasina Wazed served her first term between 1996 and 2001, and has served four consecutive terms since 2009. As the leader of a country that is extensively prone to devastating meteorological events and has experienced threatening levels of poverty, Sheikh Hasina has emerged as a powerful figure in improving the socio-economic levels of the Bangladeshi population and has contributed significantly to the development of a strong climate policy in Bangladesh.
Click to find out more read Mariana Gamez and Aimee Wolff:
Bangladesh’s geographic vulnerability to climate change leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and air pollution, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and public health. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the country focuses on adaptive strategies and international support to address these challenges and secure its socio-economic future.
The natural disasters of 2007, including severe floods and Cyclone Sidr, marked a turning point for Sheikh Hasina, pushing her to prioritize climate leadership and environmental policy. These disasters exposed Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities and socio-economic challenges, prompting Hasina to focus on sustainable development and disaster management.
Sheikh Hasina introduced the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan in 2009 to build climate resilience and reduce poverty. She also joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and introduced the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Master Plan to cut energy consumption. The National Adaptation Plan and Delta Plan 2100 focus on water management and sustainable development.
Sheikh Hasina’s climate policies have shown progress, especially in disaster preparedness and agricultural adaptation, yet lack transparency and accountability. The BCCSAP reduced cyclone-related fatalities and improved resilience. Newer initiatives, like the Delta Plan 2100 and NAP, show promise but require significant financial investment and international collaboration for successful implementation.