In an exclusive interview with The Reportline, John Kerry, the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate, emphasized that no future American President can backtrack on climate change commitments. He placed blame on former President Donald Trump for withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and rescinding climate financing offers.
New Dehli: [Tamsil Shahezad Khan] Kerry assured that the United States remains dedicated to the $100-billion annual fund for developing countries. During his visit to India for a G20 meeting on climate change, Kerry expressed hope for a consensus statement, but he did not commit to compromising over language on the Ukraine war to achieve it.
Climate Change Talks Ahead of G20 Summit and CoP28 Meeting
Regarding the upcoming G20 summit and CoP28 meeting in Dubai, Kerry shared that considerable progress had been made. CoP28 will include stocktaking and adaptation report discussions, as well as the establishment of a loss and damage fund. Kerry praised the cooperation between Indian Prime Minister Modi and U.S. President Biden, highlighting their shared vision to push technologies, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and improve supply chains for renewable energy.
India's Ambition and Cooperation in Climate Goals
When discussing India's climate goals, Kerry applauded the country's ambitious plan to deploy 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. He stressed the importance of collaboration between India and the United States in supporting the transition. Recognizing India's expertise in technology, science, research, and development, Kerry saw potential for joint efforts in scaling up new technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, turbines, and solar panels.
U.S. Commitment to the Loss and Damage Fund
Regarding the U.S. commitment to the $100-billion Loss and Damage Fund, Kerry clarified that the delay was due to President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. However, he assured that the current U.S. administration would fulfill its obligation to contribute to the fund.
Future Climate Commitments and Unwavering Global Momentum
Kerry dismissed concerns about potential future U.S. leaders retracting climate commitments, stating that the momentum for climate action has become too significant for any President, regardless of their party affiliation, to reverse course. He highlighted how major global corporations, including tech giants and automotive companies, have pledged to take climate change seriously, leading to a shift away from fossil fuels.
Finding Common Language at the G20 Summit
On the issue of finding common language at the G20 summit, especially concerning the phasing out of coal, Kerry emphasized the need to reduce emissions and empower a transition to clean energy sources. He expressed confidence in responsible nations coming together to address climate challenges and emphasized the role of the marketplace in shaping the future of fossil fuels.
Climate Change and Geopolitical Issues at the G20
Regarding geopolitical issues, particularly the language on Ukraine in the G20 joint communiqué, Kerry stressed the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and international law. While he acknowledged concerns from some countries about including geopolitical matters, he believed that great democracies should not shy away from expressing their stance on issues related to human rights and international standards.
Free Speech and Democracy in India
Addressing concerns about funding for NGOs in India, Kerry underscored the United States' belief in free speech and people's ability to voice their concerns. He acknowledged India's vibrant democracy and expressed confidence in the country's commitment to the democratic process.
In conclusion, John Kerry's statements reflect the unwavering commitment of the United States to climate change goals and cooperation with India in tackling the global crisis. As the world faces the urgency to combat climate change, the interview highlights the importance of collective efforts and mutual cooperation between nations to ensure a sustainable and cleaner future.
