2010 Event Christina Figueres of Costa Rica is appointed by U.N. Secretary - General Ban Ki Moon to lead efforts to combat global warming and climate change 1994 Event Jose Maria Figueres becomes president of Costa Rica 1994 Event Jose Maria Figueres elected president of Costa Rica 1990 Death Jose Figueres, president of Costa Rica (1948-49, 53-58, 70-74), dies
