John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State and climate envoy, recently addressed the Gastech energy conference in Houston, offering insights on global trade, climate cooperation, and clean energy initiatives. His remarks come at a crucial time, as the world grapples with evolving trade dynamics and the urgent need for climate action.
Kerry expressed concern about the current state of global trade regulations, particularly criticizing the World Trade Organization (WTO). He stated that the Geneva-based organization has become "somewhat neutered," highlighting the need for a fresh approach to international trade governance. This observation is particularly significant given that the WTO's Appellate Body, responsible for adjudicating trade disputes, has been non-functional since 2019.
Regarding U.S.-China relations, Kerry advocated for cooperation on climate issues despite ongoing trade disputes. He emphasized the importance of engaging with China, noting its status as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for 30% of global emissions. Kerry's stance aligns with the growing recognition of China's pivotal role in addressing climate change, especially considering its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The former climate envoy also addressed the increasing use of tariffs in international trade, particularly those imposed on Chinese imports by recent U.S. administrations. Kerry expressed skepticism about this approach, stating, "I'm not big on tariffs at all. I think historically tariffs have proven to be very problematic for the marketplace and countries." Instead, he advocated for creating incentives to promote desired outcomes in trade and climate policy.
Kerry's comments on tariffs are particularly relevant to the clean energy sector. The U.S. solar industry, for instance, has faced significant challenges due to tariffs on Chinese imports, despite China being the world's largest producer of solar panels and lithium-ion batteries.
Addressing domestic issues, Kerry called for streamlining the permitting process for clean energy projects in the United States. He highlighted the current "blockages – political and regulatory" that hinder progress, stating, "You cannot take 10 years to permit this stuff, we don't have that kind of time." This urgency reflects the Biden administration's ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035.
"Nobody else is going to sit around and wait for us to get our act together."
Kerry's remarks at the Gastech conference underscore the complex interplay between trade policy, climate action, and international cooperation. As the global community continues to navigate these challenges, the call for reformed trade rules and enhanced collaboration on climate issues remains a critical focus for policymakers and industry leaders alike.