President Joe Biden put John Kerry in the role of Special Envoy for Climate Change and Ali Zaidi in the role of National Climate Advisor to lead his administration's climate change initiatives. Their efforts are part of a broader team approach involving key cabinet members to tackle the climate crisis.
A Coordinated Approach to Climate Leadership
The Biden administration established a comprehensive structure to address climate change, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the challenge. This involves dedicated climate roles, as well as cabinet secretaries whose departmental work is critical to environmental policy and energy transition.
The key personnel involved in leading the administration's climate efforts as of 2021/2022 include:
| Name | Office |
|---|---|
| Ali Zaidi | National Climate Advisor (since Sep 2022) |
| John Kerry | Special Envoy for Climate Change |
| Jennifer Granholm | Energy Secretary |
| Deb Haaland | Interior Secretary |
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- John Kerry, as the Special Envoy for Climate Change, holds a cabinet-level position focused primarily on international climate diplomacy. His role involves representing the United States in global climate negotiations, fostering international cooperation, and working with other nations to increase climate ambition and achieve emissions reduction targets.
- Ali Zaidi serves as the National Climate Advisor, a crucial domestic role. He is responsible for coordinating climate policy across the executive branch, ensuring that climate considerations are integrated into federal government operations, and driving the administration's domestic climate agenda, including initiatives related to clean energy, environmental justice, and climate resilience.
- Jennifer Granholm, as the Secretary of Energy, oversees the Department of Energy, which plays a vital role in advancing clean energy technologies, managing national energy infrastructure, and promoting energy efficiency. Her department's work is central to transitioning the U.S. to a clean energy economy.
- Deb Haaland, as the Secretary of the Interior, leads the department responsible for managing the nation's vast natural resources and public lands. Her role is critical in climate efforts through conservation, renewable energy development on public lands, and addressing the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities and ecosystems.
This multi-person approach underscores the administration's commitment to addressing climate change through both domestic policy and international collaboration, leveraging expertise across various governmental departments.
