In this first episode of the podcast, Dan Jørgensen talks with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry about the outlook for climate politics, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

They discuss the consequences of COVID-19, the urgent need for global leadership on the climate issue, the promise of the Paris Agreement and the importance of big investors engaging in the green transformation. Furthermore Kerry shares his view on the resurgence of activism and the potential of the climate movement.

John Kerry has had a distinguished career in American and international politics. He served as U.S. Senator for 28 years and was the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. He also ran for President against George W. Bush in 2004 and served as President Barack Obama’s Secretary of State from 2013-2017.

In the podcast, Kerry identifies the American environmentalist Rachel Carson as a source of inspiration for his interest in sustainability as a teenager. Rachel Carson is renowned for her writings on environmental pollution and bestselling books such as “The Sea Around Us” (1951) and “Silent Spring” (1962).

Recently, John Kerry was appointed to lead Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders Unity Task Force alongside congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The Task Force released its recommendations this week which will serve as the Democratic Party’s political platform on a number of issues, including climate change.

Kerry has led a number of consequential international negotiations, including on the Paris Agreement, the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, the nuclear deal with Iran and the U.S.-China Strategic dialogue.

John Kerry is currently a Visiting Distinguished Statesman at the think tank The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, working with conflict resolution and global environmental challenges.