US Secretary of State John Kerry will address an invitation-only audience at the Atlantic Council on March 12 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the importance of the 2015 Conference of the Parties (COP21) climate change negotiations.

As the annual COP21 international climate negotiations draw near, and as the world experiences symptoms of climate change including increased precipitation, sea level rise, and heat waves, the next few months are crucial. Reducing climate pollution and transitioning to a clean-energy economy will require a global effort. Many are looking to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty, to deliver that outcome.

As the United States and key partners around the world embark on the road to Paris, the progress achieved between now and December is key to whether the world rises to the challenge of curbing climate change. Secretary Kerry will speak about the US Government’s climate efforts, place climate negotiations in a global context, and outline why climate change is a priority for the nation’s chief diplomat.

This event is open to press but seats are limited and only those who have been credentialed in advance will be admitted. All members of the press must arrive prior to 8:30 a.m. Those with cameras must arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. To RSVP, please email press@AtlanticCouncil.org.