WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Secretary of State John Kerry has been awarded for his extensive contributions to climate change initiatives. During his tenure as Secretary of State, Kerry was instrumental in negotiating arms control and forging the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. He continued this environmental advocacy in his role as the first-ever Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. President Joe Biden highlighted Kerry’s “bold and relentless public service,” commending his steadfast belief in an optimistic future for America.
However, Kerry has faced criticism for his travel practices, particularly his use of private jets while advocating for reduced carbon emissions globally. Critics have pointed out what they see as hypocrisy in his actions, contrasting his personal carbon footprint with his public stance on environmental issues.
“John Kerry should have zero budget and his office should not exist,” Congresswoman Harriet Hageman told Cowboy State Daily. “Why are we funding a former secretary of state whose biggest concern about an ongoing war is its effect on climate change, while he flies around on private jets which in 2021 emitted 116 metric tons of carbon?”
In a hearing last year, Kerry was grilled about flying privately versus using commercial passenger airlines.
Rep. Cory Mills, R-Florida, told Kerry that he hoped it wasn’t too problematic for him and his team to get to the hearing in Kerry’s private jet.
Kerry said the statement was “one of the most outrageously persistent lies” that he’s heard, and he doesn’t personally own a private jet.
When asked by oversight committee officials, “Have you flown on a private jet in a personal or official capacity since you’ve taken this position?”
Kerry answered.
Kerry said he might have flown on a private jet once.