Establishment of the Climate Change Support Office

May 12, 2021

Summary

Establishes a temporary office in the Department of State to help with global talks and actions to fight the climate crisis.

What problem does this solve?

The United States needs a dedicated team to manage its international efforts on climate change. This order creates a special office to support these diplomatic talks and ensure climate issues are part of all foreign policy decisions.

What does this order do?

Creates the Climate Change Support Office (CCSO)

Establishes a new, temporary office inside the Department of State to handle climate change issues.

Defines the office's main goal

States the office's purpose is to support talks and teamwork with other countries to address the global climate crisis, led by the Department of State.

Integrates climate change into foreign policy

Requires the new office to help make sure that climate change is considered in all parts of United States foreign policy decisions.

Sets a time limit for the office

Specifies that the CCSO is temporary and will be shut down after a set period of time allowed by law, unless the Secretary of State ends it earlier.

Who does this affect?

Department of State employees
U.S. diplomats
Federal agencies involved in foreign policy

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens U.S. global leadership on climate issues

Creates a central office to coordinate diplomatic efforts on climate change. This shows other countries that the administration is serious about leading the global fight against the climate crisis.

When does this start?

This executive order became effective on May 7, 2021, and includes a timeline for when the new office will end.

Termination of the Climate Change Support Office

The office will end at the latest date allowed by federal law for temporary organizations, unless the Secretary of State decides to close it sooner.