- John Podesta will replace John Kerry as the United States’ top climate envoy, according to White House officials. Podesta, a senior adviser, will lead the Biden administration’s international climate policy starting in the spring.
- President Biden has prioritized the climate crisis and appointed Kerry to the role shortly after the 2020 election. Podesta’s qualifications and involvement in clean energy investments were praised by White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients.
- Although Podesta will assume the position, he is expected to remain in an acting capacity due to a law requiring Senate confirmation. Podesta has a strong political background, including roles in presidential campaigns and service under multiple administrations. Kerry expressed confidence in Podesta’s abilities and commitment to addressing climate issues.
Additional Coverage:
- John Kerry’s successor as US top climate envoy announced (newsbreak.com)
John Kerry, the former United States top climate envoy, will be succeeded by John Podesta, as announced by President Joe Biden. White House officials confirmed this news to the Washington Post on Wednesday. Podesta, who currently serves as a senior adviser, will assume the role of Secretary Kerry’s replacement and lead the Biden administration’s international climate policy in the spring. Kerry, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai, had been expected to step down from his position earlier this month. He played a crucial part in negotiating the 2015 Paris Agreement and is a prominent figure in global climate conferences.
President Biden has made the climate crisis a top priority for his administration and appointed Kerry to the new envoy role shortly after winning the 2020 election. In a statement to The Independent, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients praised Kerry’s efforts and highlighted Podesta’s qualifications for his new position. Podesta, a veteran Democratic operative, oversees the significant investment in the clean energy sector from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. While continuing his domestic-facing role, he will also dedicate substantial time to addressing international climate issues alongside the State Department.
However, although Podesta will assume the climate envoy position, he is expected to remain in an acting capacity due to a recent law that requires Senate confirmation, according to The New York Times. Podesta has an extensive political background, having served as Chairman of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, counselor to President Barack Obama, and White House Chief of Staff for President Bill Clinton. Secretary Kerry expressed confidence in Podesta’s abilities and referred to him as a longtime climate ally and advocate. He believes that Podesta, in his new role as President Biden’s Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, will continue to build upon the progress achieved in previous climate summits and conferences.
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- John Kerry’s successor as US top climate envoy announced (newsbreak.com)