During his official visit to Warsaw on Tuesday (July 12), United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. At a press conference held in the afternoon, Kerry spoke about Polish-American cooperation in the scope of new technologies, a carbon-free economy, and using nuclear energy in Poland. “We’re also here to share in this journey to a carbon-free economy on a global basis,” he said, adding that the USA was hoping to be helpful with “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, “Kerry said.

United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry traveled 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 US 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.”

“Journey to carbon-free economy”

At a press conference held later on Tuesday 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 having 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 expands 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 in Europe. That’s jobs, that’s economic future.”

“I’m convinced, looking at the technologies that are coming at us, that together – Poland and the United States – we can work. I know we are working together, hopefully negotiating to be helpful in nuclear power here in Poland. Committed and supportive of that effort. President Biden asked me to come here and meet with the president to talk about it, “the US 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 efforts made by Poles in that regard. “I think there’s a great future for both of us, both in our relationship and in the work of our cities,” Kerry added.

“Poland has been taking real steps to accelerate the energy transition”

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

“It’s a pleasure and honor 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 US 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 of 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 of 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.