John Kerry in Warsaw: we're on a journey to a carbon-free economy

United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry travelled to Warsaw to engage with government counterparts, thank Poland for its support of Ukraine, and further enhance cooperation on the climate crisis and European energy security, including opportunities for energy efficiency, nuclear power generation, and acceleration of renewable energy deployment.

Between 2013-2017, Kerry served as U.S. Secretary of State under Barack Obama.

The special envoy on Tuesday met with Poland's President Andrzej Duda. "The discussion pertained to cooperation in the scope of climate policy, energy safety and situation related to Russian aggression against Ukraine".

At a press conference held later on Tuesday together with Warsaw Deputy Mayor Michał Olszewski, John Kerry spoke about his conversation with president Duda. "I told him and I want to say to all the people of Poland how grateful president Biden and the American people are for the extraordinary leadership of Poland, and the generosity of the Polish people who have given so much to refugees, and who have stood up for principles on a global basis. And we are very grateful for that," Kerry said.

"We’re also here to share in this journey to a carbon-free economy on a global basis. In the United States, president Biden is committed to have a power sector that is carbon-free by 2035. And we are on track and we will continue to stay on track in order to achieve that goal. But around the world, we must show leadership – all of us, together," he stressed.

Kerry also spoke about Warsaw as the city is expanding its fleet of electric buses. "This is the future," he said pointing at an electric bus. "Now, Poland is producing 46% of all the electric buses of Europe. That's jobs, that's economic future."

"I'm convinced, looking at the technologies that are coming at us, that together - Poland and United States - we can work. I know we are working together, hopefully negotiating to be helpful in nuclear power here in Poland. We're committed and supportive of that effort. President Biden asked me to come here and meet with the president to talk about it," the U.S. envoy said.

In his opinion, "nuclear is going to be part of the choices that different countries will make". "Some will choose 'yes', some 'no'. But it's going to be, I think, an important part of our ability to reduce the carbon emissions and achieve our goals," he argued.

He also underscored he was very grateful for the efforst made by Poles in that regard. "I think there's a great future for both us, both in our relationship and in the work of our cities," Kerry added.

After the conference, John Kerry and TVN24 reporter Michał Sznajder got on an electric bus and took a trip around Warsaw, which resulted in an exclusive interview which you can watch below.

Later on, Kerry met also with Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

"It’s a pleasure and honour to have you here in Poland, particularly in these times, very difficult times. I think it’s so important that we nurture transatlantic ties between Europe and the United States – in particular Poland and the United States," Morawiecki said shortly before talks with Kerry.

"Energy is now the topic number one everywhere, also at the European Union level, so I’m very pleased that we will be able to exchange our opinions and strengthen all those ties, based on our common values and interests which we share – the U.S. and Poland – together. Very timely visit, thank you," he added.

Kerry once again thanked Poles for helping Ukrainian refugees, adding that Poland made a real effort to expedite the energy transformation.

"First of all, thank you for the incredible leadership Poland has been showing. I think your people are also to be thanked for their amazing generosity, for their welcome for millions of refugees. You have really held your hearts and souls out to people who have been suffering extraordinarily," Kerry said.

"And I think that also Poland has been taking real steps to accelerate the energy transition and we’re very appreciative. I just rode in an electric bus in the city and learned that you are producing 46% of all electric buses for Europe now, which shows there are jobs in this transition, and there’s also a cleaner, healthier future," the American official added.

"I think that the challenge in front all of us now is that no one country can solve this problem by itself. We all have to be able to reduce the emissions, we have to accelerate the transition. We’re behind, we’re not yet fulfilling the promises that we’ve made in Glasgow," John Kerry said.