#2021WCA: John Kerry and AS/COA's Susan Segal on Climate Change and the Americas

Speakers

• John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
• Susan Segal, President and CEO, Americas Society/Council of the Americas

Fresh from Glasgow, John Kerry spoke with Susan Segal via video about the state of climate policy in the Western Hemisphere, an interview pre-recorded for the 51st Annual Washington Conference on the Americas. Kerry discussed how Latin America is key to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world, citing that 10,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest disappear every day, and said the region faces a critical moment.

Kerry further talked about the need for Latin American and Caribbean countries to implement environmental policies quickly, as well as partner with Brazil to stop deforestation in the Amazon. He also spoke about the ability to create a more balanced electrical grid to supply the hemisphere’s energy needs. The private sector has an important role to play, Segal and Kerry concurred, with the former senator and secretary of state citing several examples of companies providing new technology that will make global goals and emissions targets possible. "We're suddenly creating a market for sustainable aviation fuel. What we need are companies that are prepared to step up," said Kerry.

Learn more about the Washington Conference on the Americas.