Lucas: Ex-climate czar Kerry working the knight shift
In a notable ceremony at Buckingham Palace, John Kerry, the former U.S. Secretary of State and a prominent advocate for climate action, was honored with an honorary knighthood by King Charles III. This recognition, bestowed for Kerry’s significant contributions to environmental advocacy during his tenure as President Biden’s Climate Czar, marks a prestigious milestone in his career. At 81, Kerry, who has navigated the realms of politics and environmentalism, expressed his gratitude, stating that he shares a sense of urgency with King Charles regarding the need for immediate action on climate issues. This honorary title, while not equating to a formal knighthood in the British peerage system, signifies a high level of esteem and acknowledgment from the British monarchy.
Kerry’s journey to this honor has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to his frequent use of private jets, even for environmental engagements, as a contradiction to the very principles he advocates. For example, during a trip to Iceland in 2019 to accept an environmental award, Kerry defended his choice of private travel by claiming it was essential for someone in his position to effectively address climate change. This duality of being an environmental champion while also engaging in practices that contribute to carbon emissions has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, including former President Donald Trump, who has dismissed many of Kerry’s climate initiatives as ineffective. Despite these criticisms, Kerry’s recent knighthood reflects a broader recognition of his efforts in the global climate arena, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the Biden administration in reversing the environmental policies enacted during Trump’s presidency.
As Kerry embraces his new title, “Sir John,” he steps into a role that elevates his status in both American and global environmental discourse. The recognition may serve to bolster his credibility as he continues to advocate for urgent climate action, albeit with a legacy that includes both significant achievements and notable contradictions. The honor also highlights the ongoing intersection of politics, environmentalism, and royal recognition, illustrating how figures like Kerry navigate complex narratives in their pursuit of sustainability. As he moves forward, it remains to be seen how this honorary knighthood will influence his future initiatives and the public’s perception of his contributions to the climate cause.
Sir John.
It has a ring to it.
It is what we one-time ink-stained wretches in the newspaper business will be calling John Kerry these days. Sir John.
Which is not to be confused with Sir Elton John or any other John â or Jane â who has been named Knight Commander of the order of St. Michael and St. George since the British award was created around the time of the Napoleonic wars.
Kerry will be called that because Massachusettsâ less than favorite son received an honorary knighthood a week ago by King Charles III for Sir Johnâs contribution to saving the planet as Joe Bidenâs Climate Czar.
âKing Charles and I share the same point of view that thereâs an urgency to doing things,â the modest Kerry said.
Charles bestowed the honor on Kerry, 81, a former senator, presidential candidate and Secretary of State at a Buckingham Palace ceremony.
It was only through oversight that he did not name Sir John a Knight of the Order of Marthaâs Vineyard and Nantucket as well.
And while King Charles did not make Kerry a duke, an earl, a marquess, viscount or a baron, the knighthood was royal stuff enough.
Besides, progressives will not be putting up âNo Knightsâ signs on their front lawns to protest the appointment.
And to be clear, the âNo Kingsâ signs they do have in front of their homes refer to Donald Trump, who is not a king, and not King Charles III, who is.
Charles, you see, is their kind of king.
This worldly Kerry accomplishment â and recognition by the British monarch â came about after Kerry stepped down as President Joe Bidenâs green energy guru.
This development meant that Sir John no longer jets around the world at taxpayersâ expense polluting the air and lecturing people about the end of the world while attending various climate change conferences in Switzerland with other jet-setting air polluters.
It is the way Kerry rolls â or flies.
In 2019, for instance, Kerry, rather than flying commercial, took a private plane to Iceland to accept an environmental award.
Questioned by a reporter, Kerry said flying by private plane was âthe only choice for someone like me to win this (climate change) battle.â
âI canât sail across the ocean. I have to fly to meet people and get things done.â
Most of Kerryâs climate change initiatives have been dismantled by President Donald Trump anyway. Trump calls the Green New Deal a âscamâ and âa con job.â
These include taking the U.S. out of the 2015 Paris climate change accord, dismantling wind and energy initiatives, loosening EPA regulations, reopening the sea and federal lands to drilling, and so on.
Sir John said Trump was full of it. âPlaces are getting destroyed by more intense storms. People⊠are wandering the earth to look for a place to live because of extreme heat which is claiming lives.â
Trump could respond by saying the only person wandering the earth was Sir John, and he was doing so flying first class, in a private plane or in a government jet paid for by the taxpayers.
Or Trump could say that most of those people wandering the earth are illegal immigrants who crossed into the country through Bidenâs open borders policy that Sir John and the Democrats supported.
The bottom line is that Sir John knows how to rule royally, like when he by fiat refused the request from peasant reporters and lowly members of Congress to release the names of the people he employed, or how he traveled when he was climate czar.
Now that he is Sir John, even honorarily, he doesnât have to. He has slipped the coils of ordinary life among the un-titled. Sainthood is next.
Just donât call him Kerry anymore.
He is Sir John to you.
Veteran political reporter Peter Lucas can be reached at: peter.lucas@bostonherald.com
John Kerry, former US Secretary of State and Co-Executive Chairman of climate focused investment firm, Galvanize, SMI chief executive Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, King Charles III and Brian Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America attend the Sustainable Markets Initiative Terra Carta Exhibition and Reception, at Hampton Court Palace Palace in March in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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