Welcome to the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change
Todd Stern was named by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the United States Special Envoy for Climate Change on January 26, 2009. As the Administration’s chief climate negotiator, Mr. Stern plays a central role in developing the United States' international policy on climate, representing the United States internationally at the Ministerial level in all bilateral and multilateral negotiations regarding climate change. He also participates in the development of domestic climate and clean energy policy.
The Obama administration is committed to combating climate change and meeting one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. To meet this global challenge, the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change is actively engaging partners and allies around the world through international fora, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiating process, the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, and key bilateral relationships. Special Envoy Stern believes that to achieve a strong international agreement and meet the climate challenge all countries must be fully engaged, and that, ultimately, such an agreement must complement and promote sustainable economic development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy.
“The science is clear, and the threat is real. The facts on the ground are outstripping the worst case scenarios. The costs of inaction—or inadequate actions—are unacceptable. But along with this challenge comes a great opportunity. By transforming to a low-carbon economy, we can stimulate global economic growth and put ourselves on a path of sustainable development for the 21st century.” – Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern, March 29, 2009
