Beyond Fossil Fuels: Challenges and Opportunities of a New Economic Reality Lowering carbon emissions represents the largest economic opportunity humanity has ever faced. Getting it right is the challenge, and the big imperative of our times. As President of Costa Rica (1994-1998), José María Figueres created a comprehensive national development strategy based on sound economics, investment in human development, and a strong alliance with nature. He was CEO of the World Economic Forum, Chairman of the Carbon War Room and launched the Global Ocean Commission. *The Center for Sustainable Systems at the School of Natural Resources and Environment annually invites an internationally recognized leader to deliver the Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability. It addresses important sustainability challenges facing society such as energy security, global climate change, ecosystem degradation and sustainable development strategies - with a focus on improving the systems for meeting human needs in developed and developing countries.