President Biden has selected John Podesta, his adviser on clean energy and a seasoned political strategist, to replace John Kerry as the global representative on climate issues, the White House confirmed on Wednesday.
John Podesta, 75, will assume this international role in addition to his current position overseeing $370 billion in spending on clean energy projects under the landmark 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. While John Kerry, 80, has communicated his intention to step down by spring, no specific date has been provided. Podesta’s new role will differ slightly due to a recently passed law requiring Senate confirmation for the special envoy position. Consequently, he will hold the title of Senior Adviser to the President for International Climate Policy.
In an interview on Wednesday, Podesta outlined his role as focused on “increasing ambition” and “continuing the momentum” of Kerry’s efforts over the past three years. Kerry had been actively engaging with countries, urging them to enhance their climate targets and transition away from fossil fuels. Podesta emphasized his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Kerry, in a statement, referred to Podesta as “a longtime climate ally and advocate.” Climate activists welcomed Podesta’s appointment, with Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, noting that it reassures the international community of the United States’ commitment to global climate action. Bapna highlighted Podesta’s instrumental role in brokering the 2014 climate agreement between the U.S. and China, his contribution to the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and his connections with climate leaders worldwide.
However, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, opposed the appointments of Podesta and Kerry, accusing them of prioritizing the interests of environmental activists over those of the American people and allies. She expressed concerns about their perceived anti-American energy agenda.
Podesta will continue working from the White House, distinct from Kerry and his team based at the State Department. Although Podesta will represent the face of climate diplomacy for the Biden administration, those who worked under Kerry in the Office of the Special Envoy will now transition into a formal office within the State Department. This office will be overseen by Richard R. Verma, currently the State Department’s deputy secretary of management and resources, who will coordinate with Podesta.
John Podesta brings a wealth of experience and passion to the federal government’s efforts to combat climate change. He served as White House chief of staff during the final three years of President Bill Clinton’s term, advocating for environmental initiatives. Podesta later founded the Center for American Progress during the George W. Bush administration and played a key role in shaping President Barack Obama’s climate change agenda.
In addition to his government service, Podesta chaired Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and informally advised President Biden on climate change at the start of his term before formally joining the administration in 2022.
This decision comes at a critical juncture in global climate politics. At a United Nations summit in Dubai last year, nearly 200 nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. President Biden faces pressure to advance an ambitious climate agenda early this year, especially considering the opposition from former President Donald Trump, a staunch opponent of climate policies who has vowed to increase fossil fuel development. Podesta’s appointment signals a continued commitment to global climate leadership and collaboration.
