John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy on climate, is reportedly leaving the Biden Administration in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with his plans. Kerry, a former senator and secretary of state, was appointed to the role shortly after President Joe Biden’s election in November 2020 to combat climate change on a global scale. His departure was first reported by Axios on Saturday.
During his tenure, Kerry played a vital role in shaping climate policies and advocating for international cooperation. As one of the architects of the 2015 Paris climate accords, Kerry brought valuable experience to his position, having served as secretary of state under the Obama Administration and as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for almost three decades.
Biden’s decision to appoint Kerry as the special envoy underlined his commitment to prioritizing climate change and taking a more forceful approach compared to previous administrations. Throughout his tenure, Kerry attended numerous international climate summits, engaging with world leaders, business figures, and scientists. He leveraged his credibility and expertise to push for climate action, often participating in press conferences and supporting civil groups’ initiatives to combat climate change.
Former Vice President Al Gore praised Kerry’s unwavering dedication to addressing the climate crisis, hailing him as a hero in the field. However, Kerry has also faced criticism from those who argue that America’s climate policies lack the necessary leadership in fighting global warming. While significant investments have been made in renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act, some claim that the law’s emphasis on domestic production hinders other nations’ green industries, causing concerns about protectionism.
One of the contentious issues raised during Kerry’s tenure was the establishment of a loss and damage fund. This fund would require wealthy nations, including the United States, to contribute billions of dollars to assist developing countries affected by climate change-induced extreme weather events. While the fund was eventually approved during the 2022 COP27 in Egypt, Kerry emphasized that it should not be viewed as reparations or compensation. As of yet, the U.S. has committed only modest funding to the initiative.
With a career spanning 28 years in the Senate, Kerry represented Massachusetts and was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004. Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for climate action and environmental protection.
As John Kerry prepares to step down from his role as special envoy on climate, his departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the fight against climate change. The Biden Administration will need to find a suitable successor who can build on Kerry’s achievements and continue to champion climate action on the global stage.
