It’s a strange year for climate policy in the United States. On the one hand, supporters of U.S. President Joe Biden point out that his White House has overseen a dramatic U-turn from the days of the Trump administration in terms of promoting decarbonization and clean energy and should be lauded for passing the (admittedly strangely titled) Inflation Reduction Act. But there’s also an important strand of criticism from economists arguing that however well-meaning the Biden administration’s policies may be, they are destined to backfire because they are essentially protectionist and could lead to a dangerous subsidies race.
Which perspective has more value?
To find out, FP’s Ravi Agrawal spoke to John Kerry, Biden’s special envoy for climate. They discussed the IRA, cooperation with China, and this year’s forthcoming Conference of Parties climate summit in Dubai. Watch the full discussion on video or read a lightly edited and condensed transcript, exclusive to FP Insiders.
The discussion with former secretary of state Kerry serves as a preview to FP’s annual climate summit. The summit will convene prominent leaders from the climate arena, including Gillian Caldwell, chief climate officer and deputy assistant at USAID, Dr. Hoesung Lee the chair of the IPCC, Selwin Hart, special advisor to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Climate action, and many others.
Video clips from this event
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John Kerry, U.S. President Joe Biden’s special climate envoy, on whether the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is working and the changes that have come out of the legislation.
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John Kerry on whether the IRA has angered America’s allies: We’re working those differences out.
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John Kerry discusses mounting tensions between the United States and China and his hope for progress on the climate issue.
