Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced he will be nominating Antony Blinken to serve as Secretary of State. According to reports, Blinken will focus the beginning of his tenure on rebuilding relationships with U.S. allies, reestablishing U.S. leadership, and championing democracy and human rights.
When asked about Biden’s climate leadership, Blinken said, “When it comes to climate change, I think that success at home is directly tied to our ability to lead effectively abroad. Success can breed success and strengthen our credibility. When we're actually modeling good behavior, and when we get results, other countries are more likely to follow our lead.” Blinken also called for not only rejoining the Paris Agreement but taking the lead on ensuring all countries are increasing their climate ambition and fully integrating climate action into U.S. foreign policy, national security strategies, and trade.
In response, Sierra Club International Climate and Energy Director Cherelle Blazer released the following statement:
"Today’s announcement of Antony Blinken as Secretary of State is further proof that President-elect Biden will reestablish the United States as a leader on the world stage. After four years of abject failure, the United States will once again be represented by a respected diplomat who will fairly represent all Americans, act with diplomacy, and demonstrate leadership on the climate crisis, human rights, and democracy. The Sierra Club looks forward to working with Secretary Blinken and the entire Biden Administration to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and advance climate action in the U.S. and around the world.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.