Derek Walker
Vice President, U.S. Climate
Work
Derek Walker is the Vice President for U.S. Climate at Environmental Defense Fund, where he oversees all of EDF’s climate work in the U.S., including the federal climate campaign to secure an ambitious limit and price on carbon at the national level, as well as our advocacy for market-based policies in states including California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and potentially others.
In over a decade at EDF, he served as EDF’s Chief of Staff and as Associate Vice President in the Global Climate program where he managed EDF’s work on carbon markets, a major focus of the organization’s climate agenda. Derek is a recognized expert on climate change issues, led EDF’s California-based climate program for several years, and has helped facilitate partnerships and build capacity among jurisdictions looking to take ambitious climate action and learn from California’s example. Derek was the long-time chair of EDF’s Diversity Committee, helping EDF create and implement its first-ever diversity strategic plan. Prior to joining EDF, Derek was Executive Director of the Maryland Democratic Party and Senior Vice President of the Hawthorn Group, a public affairs firm.
Background
Prior to joining EDF, Derek was Executive Director of the Maryland Democratic Party and Senior Vice President of the Hawthorn Group, L.C., a public affairs firm. He was trained by former Vice President Al Gore as a presenter on global warming science and solutions for The Climate Project.
Education:
He received a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and spent a year studying at University College, Oxford.
Latest pieces
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These key policies in Biden’s infrastructure plan can deliver big wins on jobs and climate
April 1, 2021
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Creating opportunity for fossil fuel workers and communities: Lessons for a fair energy transition
March 25, 2021
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How the Biden-Harris administration can restore and strengthen U.S. climate leadership
December 21, 2020
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New research series: Ensuring fairness for workers and communities in the transition to a clean economy
August 4, 2020
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Ontario on a Tear with its New Climate Proposal
April 13, 2015
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The Winning Equation on Climate and Jobs in California
March 25, 2015
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New study: America’s biggest carbon market delivers for economy and climate
January 16, 2015
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New Study: California’s Carbon Market Delivers for Economy and Climate
January 16, 2015
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Lima climate talks showcase another path to global climate action: through states, provinces and cities
December 17, 2014
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Lima climate talks showcase another path to global climate action: through states, provinces and cities
December 16, 2014