Secretary of State Kerry's debut speech tackles global crisis of... climate change (updated)

Of course, because what other issues would the American Secretary of State be concerned about these days?

"We as a nation must have the foresight and courage to make the investments necessary to safeguard the most sacred trust we keep for our children and grandchildren: an environment not ravaged by rising seas, deadly superstorms, devastating droughts, and the other hallmarks of a dramatically changing climate," said Kerry, according to prepared remarks. ...

Kerry called for collective action to deal with this problem. "So let’s commit ourselves to doing the smart thing and the right thing and truly commit to tackling this challenge," he said. "Because if we don’t rise to meet it, rising temperatures and rising sea levels will surely lead to rising costs down the road. If we waste this opportunity, it may be the only thing our generations are remembered for. We need to find the courage to leave a far different legacy."

Awkwardly enough, he then paused mid-speech to thank his sign language interpreters...

How delightfully weird.

For more on Kerry's world tour, click here.

Update: Video of Kerry's remarks after the jump!