People: Biden includes climate in task list for Defense secretary pick

President-elect Joe Biden has selected retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to be his secretary of Defense, saying the former U.S. Central Command leader will be tasked with “addressing the accelerating security threat posed by the climate crisis,” among his other responsibilities at the Pentagon. Biden’s transition team made the announcement Dec. 8, describing an expansive role for the Defense Department that also includes helping the government respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement reflects Biden’s broad view of national security, including...