John Podesta Takes Charge at the White House, Set to Lead U.S. Climate Mission Following John Kerry’s Legacy

Jeff Zients, White House Chief Staff, said in a statement shared with The Washington Post, CNN, and The Hill on Wednesday, “We must continue to meet the gravity of this time, and John Podesta is the best person to ensure we do.”

Zients said, “John is — and will remain — at the forefront of driving the implementation of the most important climate law in the history of mankind.”

Kerry played a key role in delivering the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement under the then-President Barack Obama. Since then, he has dedicated his life to flying around to tell world powers including China that they must cut emissions.

Kerry, who served as U.S. Climate Diplomat for three years during the Biden administration is now set to play a part in the 2024 campaign.

In January, the 80-year-old told his staff that he was now putting his full efforts to get Biden, who is 81, back into office.

According to two people who are familiar with the message, the former presidential candidate and secretary of State will stay in his position until early spring or at least through winter.

In a Wednesday post on X, he congratulated Podesta.

John Podesta, Biden’s new senior advisor for international climate policy will continue the momentum that Glasgow, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Dubai have created.

UPI reports that Podesta joined the Biden Administration in September 2022 and currently oversees Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. This act has devoted billions to speed up the nation’s transition to clean energy including wind and solar.

Podesta was a climate advisor to former President Barack Obama, and he participated in negotiations that led to the Paris Climate Accord.

Podesta was the chairperson of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign for president and served as White House Chief of Staff under former President Bill Clinton.