Oxfam welcomes appointment of Stern on climate

International humanitarian organization Oxfam America welcomed the appointment this week of Todd Stern as the Obama administration’s Special Envoy for Climate Change. Oxfam America's president, Raymond C. Offenheiser, made the following statement:

"We are heartened that President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have moved so quickly and assertively to put in place a point person within the administration to lead the way in international climate negotiations. The appointment of the highly experienced Todd Stern demonstrates the seriousness with which the administration takes the climate challenge.

"In the face of a growing climate crisis, we have no time to waste in engaging in climate negotiations at the United Nations and reaching an urgently needed global deal this year.

"As Special Envoy Stern noted, the US can demonstrate leadership in the negotiations by significantly reducing emissions, while also working with developing countries to help them adapt to the serious climate impacts they face today and to pursue low-carbon energy pathways.

"We look forward to working with the Special Envoy to demonstrate this new American leadership, and working with the entire international community, including the most vulnerable countries affected by global warming."