For the first time ever, the U.S. has a diplomat whose sole job will be to combat threats to plants, animals and water worldwide.
"Environmental stressors, including the climate crisis, illegal logging, mining, land conversion, and wildlife trafficking have deep and detrimental impacts on the biodiversity of our planet and the availability of clean and safe water for human use," a State Department spokesperson told NPR in a statement.
Medina, who is the assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs, will take on the special envoy position in addition to her current job.."I can't wait to take our #US diplomacy to the next level to conserve our incredible planet and its rich but at risk biodiversity — and to help all the communities across the world that depend on nature."Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.