In a move that has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry has jetted off to lead the US delegation at the annual United Nations conference in Dubai. This comes as delegates at the summit are expected to condemn the use of fossil fuels and advocate for green energy alternatives. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, has accused Kerry and the Biden administration of hypocrisy for flying on airplanes to attend a summit focused on climate change.
Ernst argues that the Biden administration’s actions expose the hypocrisy of their own radical green agenda. She criticizes Kerry for emitting greenhouse gases through air travel, wasting taxpayer dollars, and undermining US strength on the global stage. Ernst suggests that while the administration focuses on combating climate change, it should prioritize tackling terrorism and not allow China, the world’s largest polluter, to overshadow other pressing issues.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) kicked off on Thursday and will span two weeks until December 12th. The summit aims to address the risks posed by global warming and secure agreements to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the coming years. UN Secretary General António Guterres has called on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change, stating that global warming should send shivers down their spines. Guterres’ remarks came after the World Meteorological Organization declared 2023 as the warmest year on record.
John Kerry, as the US climate envoy, is leading the US delegation, which includes Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and White House clean energy czar John Podesta, among other senior officials. Kerry has expressed his ambition for the summit, stating that there will be numerous initiatives announced during the conference. He emphasizes the need to move faster and be more proactive in addressing climate change.
It is worth noting that this summit follows COP27, which took place in Egypt last year. At that time, Kerry, President Biden, and other US officials attended the conference. However, after the summit, Republican senators Joni Ernst, Tom Cotton, and Shelley Moore Capito requested information on the total carbon footprint of the trip. The Government Accountability Office was unable to fulfill their request, citing a lack of mechanisms for tracking such information within the State Department.
Criticism has also been directed at Kerry for his extensive use of a private jet owned by his family. Flight tracking data revealed that the jet made numerous trips, emitting a significant amount of carbon over the course of the Biden administration’s first 18 months. However, in response to the public outcry and accusations of hypocrisy, the jet was sold to an energy-focused hedge fund in New York City.
While Kerry’s actions have drawn criticism, his office has stated that he now travels commercially in his role as climate envoy. However, questions surrounding his past use of private jets and the overall impact of air travel on greenhouse gas emissions remain.
As the UN climate summit unfolds, it is evident that the issue of climate change continues to be a highly debated and contentious topic. The actions and statements of key political figures, such as John Kerry, highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing this global issue effectively.
