Gwladys Fuouche

OSLO (Reuters). – It is up to the world’s wealthiest nations to fulfill their pledges to prevent climate change from causing more harm than good, John Kerry, U.S. climate envoy told Reuters Saturday.

Kerry stated that progress is vital in Egypt’s preparations for hosting the U.N. Climate talks (COP27) in November in Sharm el-Sheikh.

He said that the U.N summit in Glasgow last year, which saw the participation of 20 nations representing 65% global GDP, must ensure the success of the meeting.

Kerry told me in an interview, “This is vital.” These 20 countries are responsible for over 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We solve the problem if these countries are able to move.

He said that although some progress has been made, it is not sufficient. Also, changes need to be implemented more rapidly.

After meeting with Norwegian officials, he stated, “There is a lot going on, many people are seeking new technologies, or many people investing,”

We need to work faster at the government to organize ourselves to make more bankable deals so there’s money to invest. This requires coordination between the government and private sectors.

Kerry stated that global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic or the conflict in Ukraine are distracting from climate change efforts.

However, it also “underlines the imperative to be energy independent” and to not become a hostage or a slave to oil, a fossil fuel, held by someone who’s ready to weaponise this fuel,” he stated, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It is wrong for any country to be so dependent. He said that nobody should be dependent on renewables.