White House senior adviser John Podesta is set to assume the role of top U.S. official on international climate issues, replacing special climate envoy John Kerry, according to the White House. Kerry had previously announced his departure from the climate job to focus on President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. Podesta, a seasoned figure in climate matters during past Democratic administrations, returned to the White House last year to implement an ambitious U.S. climate program. He also led the administration’s climate task force. While Kerry’s position required no Senate confirmation, a new law mandates that special envoys reporting to the secretary of state must receive Senate approval. To avoid potential partisan conflict, Podesta’s appointment as a senior adviser to the president for international climate policy was made instead of designating him as a climate envoy. Podesta will continue overseeing federal spending under the climate law, as well as domestic climate priorities, while taking on the international portfolio previously handled by Kerry. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients praised Kerry’s efforts in confronting the climate crisis and expressed confidence in Podesta’s ability to address the urgency of the moment, noting his track record as a staunch advocate for bold climate action.
White House senior adviser John Podesta will take on international climate policy responsibilities, replacing special climate envoy John Kerry. Podesta, a veteran on climate issues, will oversee federal spending and domestic climate priorities while adding the international portfolio previously handled by Kerry. The move avoids a potential Senate confirmation process and ensures continuity in the fight against climate change.
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