Busan: John Kerry, former U.S. secretary of state and special climate envoy, asserted during a press briefing that the global transition to clean energy is "unstoppable" despite potential uncertainties surrounding U.S. administration's climate policies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kerry made these remarks on the first day of the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, attended by approximately 2,300 officials, including delegates from 100 countries and leaders of international institutions and nongovernmental organizations. Kerry emphasized that the global marketplace has already committed to transitioning to clean energy, and the focus should now be on achieving a low-carbon economy in time to mitigate the worst consequences of the climate crisis.
Kerry also highlighted the importance of "green shipping" for sustainable growth in the ocean industry, countering concerns that former President Donald Trump's anti-climate policies could significantly derail decarbonization efforts. He noted the substantial carbon emissions from the shipping industry, equating it to being the eighth-largest emitter if it were a country. Although Trump's administration reportedly opposed the International Maritime Organization's global carbon tax plans, Kerry expressed confidence that these efforts could be slowed but not reversed.
He further noted the commitment of major automotive companies to clean energy, stating that leadership changes in the U.S. would not lead to a reversal of progress toward carbon neutrality. Kerry also acknowledged China's efforts towards energy transition, including its announcement on new energy storage capacity.
Peter Thomson, the United Nations secretary general's special envoy for the ocean, supported Kerry's views, stating that most countries continue to adhere to multilateral regulations and international agreements.
Earlier, as part of its hosting duties for this year's OOC, Seoul introduced the "Korea Blue Action Plan." This initiative includes 76 pledges aimed at promoting ocean sustainability, such as expanding marine protected areas worldwide to achieve the "30 by 30" goal and promoting eco-friendly fuels for vessels while combating marine plastic pollution.