John Kerry: Tsunami Anniversary Calls for Climate Change Action

Secretary of State John Kerry used the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck the Asian and African coastal regions in 2004 as an opportunity to signal a warning for climate change.

"Today of all days, we pause to remember those we lost — from farmers and fishers to travelers from our own lands. I know that there are no words to express such a horrific loss," Kerry said in a statement.

"There’s no way to wipe away the pain of parents who lost a child, or children who lost their parents and were forced to assume adult responsibilities at a tender age," he said.

"It also sounded a warning. We know that many regions are already suffering historic floods and rising sea levels. And scientists have been saying for years that climate change could mean more frequent and disastrous storms, unless we stop and reverse course," Kerry explained.

"Last year I visited the Philippines and saw the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. It is incomprehensible that that kind of storm — or worse — could become the norm," he said.

"The time to act on climate change is now — before it’s too late to heed the warning," he added.

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