| Post: | Special Presidential Envoy for Climate of the United States |
| Termlength: | The Pleasure of the President |
| Status: | Not Confirmed |
| Type: | Special Presidential Envoy |
| Website: | Executive Office of the President |
| Formation: | January 20, 2021 |
| Inaugural: | John Kerry |
| Appointer: | President of the United States |
| Insignia: | Seal of the Executive Office of the President of the United States 2014.svg |
| Reports To: | President of the United States |
| Member Of: | United States National Security Council (NSC) |
| Department: | Executive Office of the President |
| Incumbentsince: | March 6, 2024 |
| Incumbent: | John Podesta |
| Insigniasize: | 167 |
The United States special presidential envoy for climate is a position in the Executive Office of the President of the United States with authority over energy policy and climate policy within the executive branch. It is currently held by John Podesta.
See also: Energy Czar. On November 23, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, would serve as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and would be a member of the United States National Security Council (NSC).[1] [2]
The term "Climate Czar" has been used to informally describe Kerry's position. There had been one previous climate policy advisor in the White House, Carol Browner, who was director of the now-defunct White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy from 2009 to 2011.[3] In particular, the new position will be the first time that the NSC would have an official dedicated to climate change issues and to addressing the climate crisis as one affecting national security.[1]
On January 13, 2024, sources close to Kerry revealed that he would leave this position by the upcoming spring.[4] [5]
On January 31, 2024, it was announced that John Podesta will succeed John Kerry as envoy.[6]
| John Kerry | January 20, 2021 | March 6, 2024 | Joe Biden | |||
| John Podesta | March 6, 2024 | Incumbent |