In a move to bolster the United States' commitment to addressing climate change on the global stage, President Joe Biden has tapped White House senior adviser John Podesta to take over as the top U.S. official on international climate issues. Podesta will replace special climate envoy John Kerry, who announced in January that he would step down from the climate job to focus on Biden's reelection campaign. While Podesta will assume Kerry's responsibilities, he will not hold the same title, as a law passed in 2022 now requires special envoys reporting to the secretary of state to win Senate approval.

Podesta, a behind-the-scenes veteran on climate in past Democratic administrations, was brought back to the White House last year to implement an ambitious U.S. climate program under the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $375 billion towards climate initiatives. He has also been leading the administration's climate task force. With his new role, Podesta will continue to oversee federal spending under the climate law and domestic climate priorities, while also adding the international portfolio previously handled by Kerry.

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients praised Kerry for his tireless efforts in confronting the climate crisis and expressed confidence in Podesta's ability to continue the momentum. Zients referred to Podesta as a "fierce champion for bold climate action" who has served three Democratic presidents and has Biden's trust. The Washington Post first reported Podesta's appointment.

Podesta, 75, will take on the international climate role in addition to his current responsibilities overseeing $370 billion in spending on clean energy projects. While Kerry, 80, has not provided a specific departure date, he has informed the White House of his intention to step down by the spring. Podesta's appointment as senior adviser for international climate policy allows the administration to avoid a potential partisan fight in the Senate, as the role of special envoy would require confirmation.

Although Podesta will be the new face of climate diplomacy for the Biden administration, he will continue to work out of the White House rather than the State Department, where Kerry and his team are based. Meanwhile, those who previously worked under Kerry in the office of the special envoy will become part of a formal office within the State Department.

The Biden administration has made climate change a top priority, both domestically and internationally. A November assessment released by the administration emphasized that no part of the U.S. is safe from the impacts of climate change. President Biden has consistently emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that denying its impact condemns the American people to a dangerous future. As the new senior adviser for international climate policy, Podesta will play a crucial role in advancing the administration's climate agenda and working with global partners to address the climate crisis.