Karachi: Biden, who was recently elected US President, selected Ali Zaidi, a 33-year-old Pakistani national, as a “leading climate expert and longtime advisor to the president-elect,” mentioned in the press release issued by Biden’s transition team.
According to the International News Agency, US President Joe Biden has announced the appointment of key members of his Climate team, including Pakistan-born Ali Zaidi, who will serve as the White House’s Climate Advisor.
Ali Zaidi is currently serving as New York’s Deputy Secretary of Energy and Environment, but with the new assignment, he will be the highest-ranking Pakistani-American in the Biden administration.
Ali Zaidi, a Pakistani descent, wrote in his tweet: “I was floored when President-elect Joe Biden called” and continued to explain his overwhelming happiness saying, “I still am profoundly humbled” and “deeply honored.”
He was overjoyed and immediately replied that he would humbly consider it an honor.
We need a whole-of-government approach to take on the climate crisis — in a way that spurs jobs and advances justice. I was floored when President-elect @JoeBiden called. I still am — profoundly humbled, deeply honored, and so ready to get to work!
— Ali A. Zaidi (@ali_a_zaidi) December 18, 2020
Ali Zaidi, a native of Istanbul, will work under Gina McCarthy, who runs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under former President Barack Obama, to coordinate the country’s climate agenda.
We have no time to waste to confront the climate crisis, protect our air and water, and deliver justice to communities that have long shouldered the burdens of environmental harms.
Together, on behalf of all Americans, this team will meet this moment with the urgency it demands. pic.twitter.com/ob58nUVIJm
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 18, 2020