Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado Quesada said there must to be more “heart” in discussions of fighting climate change. For him, it’s about fighting for a better world for his son. “He’s only six years old. He’s going to live in that world that might be very tough,” Alvarado told TIME’s Justin Worland at the inaugural TIME 100 Next event on Thursday. Alvarado is part of TIME 100 Next list, which recognizes individuals who are emerging as leaders their fields, including politics, entertainment and the arts. As leaders around the world grapple with how to best address climate change, Alvarado has positioned his country at the head of the effort to curb emissions and prepare for a warmer climate without stifling economic development.