Biden sparks environmentalist row over top economic pick Brian Deese

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday officially tapped Brian Deese, a former Obama administration official who helped negotiate the Paris climate accords, to be his top economic adviser, a move he said would put a focus on climate change, but some environmentalists aren’t convinced.

“Brian is among the most tested and accomplished public servants in the country — a trusted voice I can count on to help us end the ongoing economic crisis, build a better economy that deals everybody in, and take on the existential threat of climate change in a way that creates good-paying American jobs," Mr Biden said in a statement.

Mr Deese, picked to direct the National Economic Council, helped the Obama administration with its auto industry rescue package as well as the climate agreement. Following his time in the White House, he moved onto BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, where he was head of sustainable investing. His selection won the endorsement of prominent environmentalists like former vice president Al Gore.

Still, other environmentalists, like the Sunrise Movement, a prominent group of young climate activists, expressed skepticism over Mr Deese. BlackRock, despite its sustainable investment efforts, also holds stakes in energy companies which contribute to climate change.