WASHINGTON –  The Obama Administration has named a special envoy to lead U.S. efforts to fight global warming and forge new international accords on reducing carbon emissions and developing clean energy.

 

On January 26 U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appointed Todd Stern as principal adviser on international climate policy and strategy and chief climate negotiator. Stern was previously a senior White House official under former President Bill Clinton.

 

“With the appointment today of a special envoy we are sending an unequivocal message that the United States will be energetic, focused, strategic and serious about addressing global climate change and the corollary issue of clean energy,” Clinton was quoted as saying at the announcement.

 

“As we take steps at home, we will also vigorously pursue negotiations, those sponsored by the United Nations and those at the sub-global, regional and bilateral level, that can lead to binding international climate agreements,” Clinton added. “No solution is feasible without all major emitting nations joining together and playing an important part.”