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In a stern rebuke against the ongoing support for coal-fired power plants, US climate envoy John Kerry denounced the act as "irresponsible" during his remarks on Friday. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, Kerry identified "greed" as the primary obstacle hindering meaningful climate action globally.
The former US chief diplomat emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It's irresponsible to be funding or building a coal-fired power plant anywhere in the world." Dismissing the notion of "clean coal," Kerry stressed the need to move away from outdated practices and criticized the prevailing "business as usual" mentality, particularly in the United States.
While providing limited details, Kerry expressed satisfaction with recent discussions with China and highlighted the significance of upcoming climate talks in the UAE, deeming them "absolutely critical." The evolving partnership between the US and China in addressing climate issues remains a focal point of international climate diplomacy.
Two years after the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, where countries committed to "phase-down unabated coal power," the debate around the future of fossil fuels, including coal, remains central. The COP28 meeting later this month is expected to delve into discussions on planned production increases in coal and other fossil fuels, with major producers currently steering the world off course from the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
As global leaders grapple with the pressing need for climate action, Kerry's condemnation of coal funding underscores the imperative to align international efforts in curbing emissions and transitioning toward sustainable energy sources.
