The United Nations' annual climate conference continues Wednesday with brief speeches by nations big and small.

World leaders are converging Tuesday at the United Nations annual climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan although the big names and powerful countries are noticeably absent, unlike past climate talks which had the star power of a soccer World Cup.

World leaders descend on Azerbaijan's capital Baku for United Nations climate talks World leaders are converging Tuesday at the United Nations annual climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan although the big names and powerful countries are noticeably absent, unlike past climate talks which had the star power of a soccer World Cup.

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped House Republican Conference chair and longtime ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, of New York, to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik is Trump's first Cabinet pick for his second term in the White House.

Rep. Lisa McClain will seek the fourth-ranking House position of Republican conference chair after Rep. Elise Stefanik was tapped for United Nations ambassador.

Stefanik serves as House Republican Conference Chair and has long been one of Trump’s most loyal allies in the House.