John Kerry, President Biden’s climate envoy, has announced his resignation, ending a three-year term in which he played a crucial role in reshaping America’s approach to climate change policy and engaging with the international community. Mr. Kerry led the U.S. negotiating team through three United Nations climate summits and laid the groundwork for cooperation between the United States and China, the world’s two largest polluters.
Throughout his tenure, Kerry rallied more than 30 countries to strengthen their climate targets, contributing to the success of the Glasgow 2021 climate summit. His diplomatic efforts with China, however, were met with limited success, as a significant deal to transition to renewable energy failed to address China’s heavy reliance on coal. His resignation comes in the wake of China’s climate chief announcing his retirement, raising concerns about the future of climate diplomacy.
Former Vice President Al Gore lauded Kerry’s work on climate change as “heroic,” but the future of the climate envoy role in the United States is uncertain. Kerry’s unconventional appointment, which did not require Senate confirmation, was met with criticism from Republicans, who also accused him of undermining the United States’ interests. These developments have cast a shadow of uncertainty over America’s future climate policy and diplomatic efforts.
