In a groundbreaking move, German Federal Minister Annalena Baerbock has appointed Jennifer Lee Morgan as the first State Secretary for Climate and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, expanding the responsibilities of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs to include climate policy.
Petra Kelly, a founding member of the German Green Party, served as an inspiration for Morgan, who was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to become passionate about environmental awareness. After earning her bachelor's degree in political science and Germanic studies at Indiana University, Morgan honed her skills during a Bosch Fellowship in Germany, where she had the unique opportunity to draft speeches for Angela Merkel, who was then the environment minister.
With a master's degree in international affairs from American University in Washington, DC, Morgan's illustrious career in climate policy leadership began. She held key positions at organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, the U.S. Climate Action Network, and WWF International. Fluent in German, Morgan has been a Berlin resident since 2003.
In March 2022, Annalena Baerbock appointed Morgan as the first State Secretary for Climate Policy in German history. Baerbock expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I am glad that international climate policy in Germany is getting a face today." Morgan's appointment, however, stirred some concerns among the conservative opposition, fearing potential conflicts arising from her activist background with Greenpeace.
Morgan dismisses these concerns, identifying herself as an "activist diplomat" keen on merging her climate policy experience with the diplomatic resources at her disposal. Her unique background positions her as a valuable asset for Germany, having been involved in climate change. diplomacy since the 1990s and contributing to the success of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
Further, as the State Secretary for Climate, she plays a crucial role in assisting Minister Baerbock with tasks within the ministry, serving as a link between the minister and department employees. Leading Germany's International Climate Initiative, she collaborates with other departments, overseeing a substantial budget dedicated to supporting climate projects in emerging countries.
Her overarching goal is to develop comprehensive international climate protection policies in collaboration with other nations, businesses, and international actors. Emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation to achieve the 1.5-degree goal, Morgan actively works on forging alliances that prioritize the shift towards renewable energies.
Morgan's diplomatic prowess was on display during the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where she, alongside Maisa Roja, played a pivotal role in formulating the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund, a significant achievement of COP27, aims to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Despite initial skepticism, Morgan's performance at the conference garnered praise, showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition into her diplomatic role. As Germany's Climate Envoy, Jennifer Morgan is poised to influence the nation's approach to combating the climate crisis and shape international cooperation in environmental policy, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the field of international climate diplomacy.