According to two sources familiar with his intentions, John Kerry, the special envoy for climate in the Biden administration, will be leaving his position in the next few weeks.

After Joe Biden’s victory in the November 2020 election, Kerry, a seasoned senator and former secretary of state, was chosen to lead the administration’s efforts to combat climate change on an international level.

Axios was the first to report Kerry’s plans to depart on Saturday.

Kerry played a key role in creating the 2015 Paris climate agreement and had extensive international experience, having served as secretary of state under the Obama administration and as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for nearly thirty years. Biden’s choice to appoint Kerry to this position was viewed as a fulfillment of his promise to prioritize addressing climate change in a more assertive and prominent way compared to past administrations.

During a trip to Beijing last summer, Kerry met with Vice President Han Zheng to discuss climate issues. He emphasized that the climate crisis is a danger for all of humanity and it is our duty to address it as quickly as possible.

During global climate conferences, Kerry consistently maintained a fast pace, moving from one gathering to the next alongside prominent figures such as world leaders, business leaders, and scientists. In between, he also held multiple press conferences to share new information, introduce initiatives, and support the efforts of civil groups in fighting climate change. His presence added credibility and significance to these events.

Within 60 minutes, Kerry would discuss the urgency of oil companies reducing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, at one meeting. Then, at another gathering, he would elaborate on his newest proposal for funding the transition to green energy in developing countries. Shortly after, he would provide a lengthy explanation on the issue of illegal fishing globally while attending an event with leaders from Pacific Island nations.

Former Vice President Al Gore praised John Kerry’s dedicated efforts in tackling the climate crisis, stating that he has shown heroism in his work. Gore, who has focused on climate issues since leaving public office, commended Kerry for his bold approach, unwavering determination, and recognition of the urgency of this crisis. He believes that both the U.S. and the rest of the world owe Kerry a great debt of gratitude for his actions.

Although he is highly respected internationally for his stance on climate change, Kerry also faces criticism for not being a strong leader in the fight against global warming. The Inflation Reduction Act, which is the biggest climate legislation in the U.S., is investing billions of dollars in renewable energy. However, some aspects of the law prioritize domestic production, causing other countries to accuse it of being protectionist and harmful to their own green industries.

For years, the United States resisted the establishment of a fund designated for “loss and damage,” which would require wealthy nations to donate billions of dollars to assist developing countries, often heavily impacted by severe weather events caused by climate change. At COP27 in Egypt in 2022, the fund was authorized after the U.S. and other wealthy countries acquiesced and provided their support. However, Kerry consistently clarifies that the fund is not intended for “reparations” or “compensation,” and thus far, the U.S. has only committed to providing limited funding for it.

For 28 years, Kerry served as a representative for Massachusetts in the Senate and was chosen as the Democratic candidate for president in 2004.

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Writer Peter Prengaman from the Associated Press in North Creek, New York and Science Writer Seth Borenstein from AP contributed to this report.