U.S. ex-Secretary of State designated as the 57th speaker for the Hanify-Howland Memorial
The Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee has announced that John Kerry, the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, will be the guest speaker for the 57th annual lecture. Kerry, a prominent advocate for climate change action and peace, will deliver a speech entitled "Geopolitics and Sustainability: Navigating the Future."
Throughout his distinguished career, Kerry has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating climate change with science-based policies and international cooperation. As the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Kerry works closely with the U.S. government and international partners to develop and implement climate finance plans and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
One of Kerry's notable achievements in climate action was his involvement in implementing major U.S. climate legislation under President Biden, such as the Build Back Better Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. These landmark efforts are aimed at reducing emissions significantly (by 40% by 2030 under the 2022 Act) and promoting green jobs and environmental justice.
Kerry's diplomatic and policy efforts also help channel international climate finance and foster global cooperation to meet ambitious climate targets. His commitment to combating climate denial is evident in his public statements, where he has highlighted the dangerous trend of "flat-earthism," misinformation campaigns that try to convince people that climate change is a hoax.
In addition to his climate work, Kerry's long career in diplomacy has been associated with promoting international dialogue and conflict resolution. His climate work intersects with peace objectives, recognizing that addressing climate change requires global partnerships and can mitigate resource conflicts tied to environmental degradation.
Kerry's peace-related achievements include his role in de-escalating nuclear tensions with Iran and cementing the Paris Climate Agreement during his tenure as Secretary of State. He also led an investigation on the Iran-Contra Affair and facilitated postwar peace with Vietnam.
Before his diplomatic career, Kerry served as a Massachusetts senator for three consecutive terms and was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, earning a Silver Star, a Brown Star, and three Purple Hearts for his service. He co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of America to advocate for veterans' rights, the G.I. Bill for Higher Education, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment.
The College was pleased to host Kerry for his speech, which was hosted by the Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee. The committee has also announced that retired U.S. Navy four-star Admiral Michelle Howard will serve as the speaker for its 56th annual lecture.
Sources:
[1] U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). John Kerry. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.state.gov/secretary-john-kerry/
[2] Kerry, John. (2021, November 11). John Kerry on Flat-Earthism and Climate Change Denial. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLFx9QBmZFQ
- As the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, a strong advocate for climate change action and peace, will deliver a lecture entitled "Geopolitics and Sustainability: Navigating the Future" on campus.
- Kerry's speech will be hosted by the Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee, the same committee that has announced retired U.S. Navy four-star Admiral Michelle Howard as the speaker for its 56th annual lecture.
- Throughout his career, Kerry has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, having served as a Massachusetts senator for three terms before his diplomatic career.
- Kerry's climate work intersects with social justice, recognizing that addressing climate change requires global partnerships and can mitigate resource conflicts tied to environmental degradation.
- In addition to climate change, Kerry's diplomatic efforts have included promoting international dialogue and conflict resolution, as seen in his role in de-escalating nuclear tensions with Iran and cementing the Paris Climate Agreement.
- The College's general news outlet might cover Kerry's visit, as well as the faculty's reactions to his speech on arts, sciences, education, politics, and war and conflicts.
- Kerry's commitment to climate change action extends beyond policy-making, as he has publicly spoken out against climate change denial, highlighting the dangers of misinformation campaigns that try to convince people that climate change is a hoax.
