John Kerry to Step Down as U.S. Climate Envoy

Kerry's departure leaves questions about the future of the role and who will succeed him, amid criticism over his use of private jets for travel.

John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, has announced he will step down from his role in the coming months to join President Biden's re-election campaign.
Kerry's departure leaves questions about who will succeed him and the future of the role, which could revert back to special envoy status requiring Senate confirmation.
During his tenure, Kerry was instrumental in rebuilding trust in the U.S. on climate issues after years of climate denialism under former President Trump, and in negotiating the Paris Agreement.
Kerry's use of private jets for travel, including to climate conferences, has drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.
Despite his efforts, the U.S. has reached an all-time high for oil production under the Biden administration, and Congress has been reluctant to fund overseas climate efforts.