At the WTTC's 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, John Kerry expressed cautious optimism about the future amidst growing concerns over global warming in a conversation with Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC. Reflecting on his extensive travels and environmental advocacy, Kerry emphasized the critical role of public policy, engagement, and finance in addressing climate change.

One of the key highlights of Kerry’s discussion was his call for robust public policy frameworks, citing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a significant step forward. He underscored the importance of incentivizing sustainable practices, such as the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the U.S., while urging greater international commitment and financial investment in climate-friendly technologies. “If we do everything we’ve said we’re going to do, folks, we could actually win this battle. The problem is we’re not doing everything we said to do,” he stated.

Kerry, known for his global perspective, drew attention to the challenges of mass tourism, particularly in historically significant but fragile destinations like Rome. “I was struck by just the numbers of people. I turned to friends, and I said, ‘You know, this is not going to be able to go on forever where people just wander around these incredibly fragile locales, locations where, over time, we’re going to harm what we’re going to see and what we cherish’,” he said, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism practices.

He also voiced his concern about what he called “morbid tourism,” where travelers visit locations like glaciers to witness their deterioration. “Maybe that time would be better spent trying to prevent people from actually destroying it,” he suggested, urging more focus on preservation efforts to prevent further environmental damage.

Despite acknowledging the slow progress in global climate action, Kerry remained hopeful, pointing to advancements in renewable energy and China’s leadership in clean energy innovation. “It is a human-created problem, and it is subject to a human solution,” he said, reaffirming his belief in humanity’s ability to innovate and adapt.

Kerry highlighted the increasing momentum in renewable energy investments, noting, “Last year, for the first time in history, there was about $2 trillion investing in clean energy and the transition, versus $1 trillion drilling into fossil fuel. So, two to one, renewables, clean energy, was beginning to beat fossil fuels.”

In closing, Kerry reiterated his belief in humanity’s ability to confront and solve environmental challenges, urging a collective effort grounded in truth and international cooperation. As the world navigates a pivotal moment in history, Kerry’s insights underscore both the urgency and the potential for transformative change in combating climate change.