After a three-year tenure, John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s special climate envoy, has announced his decision to step down from his role to support Biden’s re-election campaign, as confirmed by two administration sources on Saturday.
A key figure in international climate policy, Kerry was pivotal in negotiating a global agreement in Dubai focused on transitioning nations from fossil fuels. The 80-year-old Democrat, a former United States senator and secretary of state, communicated his decision to President Biden last Wednesday, with his staff being informed this Saturday. While his departure is set for later this winter, the administration has yet to decide on a successor. Axios initially reported this news.
Kerry’s appointment by Biden after the 2020 election was a significant step in re-engaging the U.S. in global climate efforts, especially after withdrawing from the Paris Agreement under Donald Trump’s administration. His role, which did not require Senate confirmation, also included a seat on the National Security Council, marking a historic focus on climate issues within the Council.
In a recent interview with Reuters following COP28, Kerry expressed uncertainty about his future but emphasized his ongoing commitment to climate advocacy. “I will continue as long as God gives me the breath and work on it one way or the other,” Kerry stated. As Biden’s special envoy, Kerry prioritized maintaining diplomatic relations with China on climate change amidst other political and trade tensions.
