John Kerry Calls Climate Change “Life-Threatening” Issue

Secretary of State nominee John Kerry calls global climate change a "life-threatening issue" and says the United States must play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, said at his confirmation hearing Thursday that the U.S. should pursue policies that boost clean energy. He said that in his state and others, "the fastest growing sector of our economy is clean energy."

Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has made climate change a central focus of his Senate career. He vowed to be a "passionate advocate" on the issue if confirmed as secretary of state.

Kerry said he has made no decision about the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada.

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