"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will lead a delegation of officials to the United Nation's sustainability conference in Rio de Janeiro from June 20-22, the State Department said Tuesday, signaling a stronger U.S. commitment to the summit. The announcement comes after U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in April called on U.S. President Barack Obama to attend the conference and to take a more active role in global efforts to curb climate change."

"Environmental NGOs had hoped Obama would participate to lend weight to the conference.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson will serve as alternate head of the U.S. delegation with special envoy on climate change Todd Stern as chief negotiator."

Rory Carroll reports for Reuters Point Carbon June 13, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

State Dept. Release of June 12, 2012, announcing full delegation. [3]