Kerry talks tech as a solution to climate change woes

Kerry talks tech as a solution to climate change woes

In a half-hour talk with Alaska newspaper reporters Sunday evening, Secretary of State John Kerry put forward a technology-focused view of fighting climate change that is expected to be on display today in Anchorage.

“Coal is problematic, I think, in the long term, but oil, gas can be burned in more effective, smarter ways.

What we need to do is make sure our technology is being encourage to move in those directions more rapidly.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Today in Anchorage, Kerry hosts the GLACIER conference, billed as an attempt to “generate momentum and expedite progress in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the region.”

Atop the list: Climate change and how to adapt to it.
“I think the President understands that this is one of the most pressing issues that we face,” Kerry said.

Attending today’s conference are representatives of 20 nations and the European Union, including seven foreign ministers, if Kerry is counted.

Talking about climate change is a tall task in a place like Alaska, which derives most of its state revenue from oil, which when burned is the largest source of carbon emissions driving climate change.

Earlier this month, the Obama administration approved a further stage of oil survey drilling in the Arctic, an action that drew sharp criticism from environmental groups.
At the same time, pro-development Alaskans and others have said the administration has not done enough to encourage drilling.

They point to its actions that would shield the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil exploration.
Emphasizing technology, including better environmental observation, greater fuel efficiency, energy efficiency and home insulation, is a compromise approach.

All of those elements are featured on the GLACIER conference’s agenda.
Kerry spoke at length about how the U.S. can continue to burn oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels while still staying below a level of global warming that some scientists say would be catastrophic.

“If you’re putting the proper requirements on how that oil is burned and used, you can meet those standards,” he said.

The President has increased the fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and Kerry said that’s progress.

“Technology itself is proving new ways to be able to use certain things and use them effectively,” he said.

While the ultimate goal is to switch America and the world onto renewable sources of energy, things like solar, wind and water power, he said that switch must happen in a way that doesn’t hurt the economy.

“The more we can push people in the right direction, the better our chances of making it,” Kerry said, “but you’ve got to balance it, obviously, with the fundamentals of your economy and the basic needs.”

Global climate change wasn’t the only issue Kerry discussed with the Alaska reporters.

As he was leaving the discussion, he was asked about Canada’s mining projects in British Columbia near its border with Alaska.

Those so-called “transboundary mines” have raised concerns among fishermen and activists who fear that a mine waste spill could dump billions of gallons of toxin-laced byproducts into rivers that feed the Southeast salmon industry.
Last year, the Mount Polley Mine spill dumped 6.34 billion gallons of contaminated tailings into Canada’s Polley Lake and its downstream waters, increasing those fears.

“That’s a serious issue,” Kerry said, “and the Mount Polley tailings issue is a serious issue and obviously we are very concerned about Alaska, about the integrity of Alaska’s rivers. We’ve raised it with local governments, we’ve raised it with the federal government, and we will continue to, but it’s a … serious challenge. Downstream impacts should not be taken lightly by any country, anywhere.”

While the President will stay in Alaska after the GLACIER conference to visit Seward, Dillingham and Kotzebue, Kerry will leave the state after the conference concludes.

“I have a little thing called Iran,” he said.
Kerry revealed he will be traveling to Philadelphia to deliver a speech Wednesday on the proposed nuclear deal with that Islamic country. Congress is expected to cast an up-or-down vote on the deal unless enough Democratic Party lawmakers in the U.S. Senate filibuster that vote and allow the deal to happen without Congressional intervention.
“”I have to get back to do that (speech) because we have some people who have to be persuaded,” Kerry said

More in News

Robert Weaver was last seen at the Doroshin Bay public use cabin on June 25, 2025. (Photo provided by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)
Kenai wildlife refuge seeking information on missing man

Robert Weaver was last seen near Skilak Lake on June 25.

The Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team conducts a training mission in Seward, Alaska in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team
Anchor Point fundraiser to benefit Alaska rescue and recovery group

Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 2016.

Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic staff (left to right) Angie Holland, RN; Jane Rohr, Sonja Martin Young, CNM; Robin Holmes, MD; and Cherie Bole, CMA provide an array of reproductive and sexual health services. (Photo provided by KBFPC)
Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic releases report on STI trends on the Kenai Peninsula

The report pulls from data gathered from 2024 to early 2025.

Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Swimmers, parents call on Kenai to support Kenai Central pool

The KPBSD Board of Education last week said communities will need to step up and take over administration of pools within the next year.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai drops effort to rename South Spruce Street

The resolution would have changed the name to make it clear which road led to North Kenai Beach

Gov. Mike Dunleavy compares Alaska to Mississippi data on poverty, per-pupil education spending, and the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress fourth grade reading scores during a press conference on Jan. 31, 2025. Alaska is highlighted in yellow, while Mississippi is in red. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy calls special session for August

Lawmakers on Wednesday said they were surprised by the move.

A makeshift coffin decrying the risks of Medicaid funding cuts is seen on Thursday, June 26, in front of the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. The cuts were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning. (Photo by Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)
Ahead of Senate vote, Soldotna protesters defend Medicaid funding

Cuts to the program were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning.

Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Borough school board to finalize budget

The new budget designed by the committee will be considered at a public hearing during the full board meeting on Monday evening.

Most Read