John Kerry at Green Transition Forum 4.0: Without nuclear energy we cannot achieve the green goals

We will solve the greenhouse gas emission problems, I don't know exactly how, but we will solve them. This is not a challenge that requires great scientific achievements. The challenge is not ideological or political, we just have to roll up our sleeves and do what it takes. But I am convinced, and the scientists are also of this opinion, that without atomic energy we cannot achieve our goals. This was stated by John Kerry, US Secretary of State (2013 - 2017) and Special Envoy of the US President on Climate Matters (2021 - 2024) in a special video link from London.

Kerry took part in the last panel "Key priorities in the field of climate. The road to the European Green Deal" from the first day of the most successful forum for green transformation - "Green Transition Forum 4.0: The new perspectives for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)". organized for the fourth consecutive year by Dir.bg and 3E News.

The moderator of the session, in which Marosz Šefčovič, Vice-President of the EC responsible for the Green Deal and Beata Daszynska-Mujicka, Ambassador of the President of Poland and Special Envoy for the "Three Seas" initiative, was Serhiy Stanishev, Minister -President of Bulgaria (2005 - 2009), member of the European Parliament.

The transatlantic connection between the USA and Europe, which took place in Bulgaria, makes the conversation key and of global importance for the Green Transition.

The former US Secretary of State expressed his gratitude to Sergey Stanishev and the chairman of the board of directors of Dir.bg, initiator and founder of the "Green Transition" forum, Monika Stanisheva for the organization of the conference and for discussing the topic of the Green Transition.

"We are witnessing an extraordinary moment in which most countries in the world are going through various processes. Politicians and policies of individual countries are being tested. A big issue is Ukraine, Gaza, and after 27 years in the Senate, 4 years as Secretary of State and 3 years of climate work - I know we're facing a huge challenge - climate change. We're going to solve the problems, I don't know exactly how, but we're going to solve them," John Kerry began his statement.

According to him, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not a challenge that requires great scientific achievements.

"The challenge is not ideological or political, we just have to roll up our sleeves and do what is necessary. This is about basic concepts in mathematics and physics - what happens when fossil fuels are burned and emissions are not captured. Methane is a gas, which has existed on the planet for 40,000 years, and now leads to the reduction of the ice caps in the arctic regions. A few days ago, it was over 50 degrees, and 1000 people died in Mecca. One cannot live in these temperatures. What will happen when food production in Africa is no longer possible - tens of millions will try to flee to live somewhere else because there is no food and it is hot," commented the former US Secretary of State.

According to Kerry, in 2023, the US has reduced its greenhouse emissions by 4 percent and the economy has grown by 2.5 percent.

"We have an opportunity to do what is possible. President Biden entered the White House in 2020 and immediately joined the Paris Agreement, assigning me to be his envoy. I have completed my mandate, but I hope that sufficient funds and capital will be mobilized, to make the transition to a clean economy. Otherwise, there is no solution," said John Kerry.

He shared his experience of attending UN climate conferences in Paris, Glasgow and Dubai, where he saw pledges being made and heard stirring speeches from representatives of many of the world's island nations.

"We agreed in Dubai that we all have to stop using fossil fuels and by 2050 we're done. The goal is no more than 1.5 degrees of temperature increase. Currently, 20 percent of countries create 80 percent of greenhouse emissions. Among them are both the USA and Russia - these are mostly countries from the industrialized part of the planet. If we do what is necessary - we reduce emissions to stay within this 1.5 degrees, if all the promises made in Glasgow, Sharm El Sheikh and Dubai are fulfilled - we will win the battle," said the former US Secretary of State categorically.

According to him, the decision has already been made and it is to go aggressively towards new technologies and increase the pressure on the banks to help those projects that will help reduce emissions.

"We are able to solve the problem. If we only use renewable sources by 2030, we will achieve a reduction in emissions by the required amount. I am convinced that the world will reach a carbon-free economy by the end of the century. The question is whether we will keep our promises to win the battle," Kerry said.

Regarding the other two issues related to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions - financing and the economy - the former US secretary of state said that he hopes to mobilize enough funds and capital so that we can make the transition to a clean economy.

"Batteries will switch from lithium-ion to other materials, which will make them larger in volume and we will be able to balance. Hydrogen is moving forward, maybe not so fast. But it works efficiently. One of the technological solutions - and Bulgaria is a leader in this relation is atomic energy.

"I am convinced, and scientists are of this opinion, that without nuclear energy we cannot achieve the goals. Atomic energy can be used for the production of steel and other energy-intensive industries, and thus we will reduce emissions," concluded John Kerry.

The largest and most significant conference on the Green Deal "Green Transition Forum 4.0: New perspectives for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)" is organized by Dir.bg and 3E-news. The forum takes place from June 26 to 28. Representatives of more than 18 countries appear on the conference stages in Sofia Event Center, with a total of more than 2,500 participants, including more than 750 top managers, holding the key conversation about tomorrow's world.

The event is organized by Dir.bg and 3E-news in partnership with ACT Commodities, ProCredit Bank, Visa, European Investment Bank, Elektrohold, Yettel, Artex Engineering AD, UBB, Aurubis Bulgaria, Glavbolgarstroy Holding, Bulgarian Stock Exchange, UniCredit Bulbank, Bulgarian development bank, Geotechmin, Energeo, MET Energy Trading Bulgaria, Dundee Precious Metals, FLAG Fund, ICGB, The Oil and Gas Employers' Federation, Electric Power System Operator, Bulgartransgaz, Fund of Funds, Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD, Kozloduy NPP, Westinghouse, Philip Morris Bulgaria, BMF Port Burgas AD, Information Service, Bulgarian Natural Gas Association, REIB, PCONTRADE, Omega Power Group, PHOTOMATE, OMV Petrom, Bulgarian Recycling Association, TTS (Transport Trade Services) S.A, Morningside Hill, CWP Global , DEVIN, Smart Energy Trade.

Green Transition 2024 is implemented with the media support of BNT, BTA, BNR, bTV Media Group, Darik Radio, Darik Business Review, Euroactive, Economic.bg, ESGnews.bg and The Recursive.