27 January 2009: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has reported on the Obama Administration’s appointment of Todd Stern as Special Envoy on climate change. In this position, the former senior White House negotiator in the Kyoto and Buenos Aires climate talks will be the chief climate negotiator in UN and other climate sessions.

Speaking as his appointment was announced, Stern stated that “the time for denial, delay and dispute is over.” He emphasized the need to tackle the climate change challenge with “a response that is genuinely global.” In addition, President Obama is considering allowing California to implement stricter car emission regulations and is pushing the US auto industry to improve the fuel-efficiency of its fleets. [UNEP Press Release]