Donald Trump's energy strategy, often summarized by the phrase "drill, baby, drill," aims to increase oil and gas extraction in the U.S. and extend the global reliance on fossil fuels. His administration is negotiating energy agreements with countries like Japan and Ukraine and has even suggested reviving coal use in Africa.
Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, criticized Western nations for discouraging coal development in Africa, labeling such views as "paternalistic" and counterproductive. At a recent oil industry conference in Houston, Wright emphasized the need for more fossil fuels and criticized Joe Biden's climate policies, arguing that renewables can't fully replace fossil fuels—a stance many experts dispute.
This approach could lead to increased U.S. investment in African oil and gas, which some business leaders argue is essential for electrifying the continent. Robert Stryk, from Stryk Global Diplomacy, supports this view, calling it hypocritical for Western countries to oppose Africa's use of fossil fuels after benefiting from them themselves.
However, scientists warn that the climate crisis, driven by fossil fuel consumption, poses severe risks, particularly for African nations that contribute minimally to global emissions. Africa is experiencing more frequent climate extremes, which are already impacting its economy.
Mohamed Adow, from Power Shift Africa, criticized the U.S. for promoting fossil fuels, arguing that Africa needs support to develop renewable energy. He pointed out that wealthy nations have been slow to provide necessary funding, and Trump's cuts to climate initiatives have further hindered progress.
Despite global shifts towards cleaner energy, Trump's policies favor maintaining fossil fuel reliance. He has lifted restrictions on U.S. gas exports, with Japan and South Korea showing interest in Alaskan gas projects to avoid tariffs. Japan plans to increase imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), a move criticized by environmental activists like Manning Rollerson, who highlight the local environmental damage caused by LNG facilities.
In Ukraine, a potential deal could give the U.S. access to the country's mineral resources, including oil and gas, which might reverse Ukraine's progress in clean energy development. Svitlana Romanko, a Ukrainian environmental lawyer, warned that this could undermine Ukraine's energy independence and exacerbate the climate crisis.
While the world acknowledges the climate crisis, Trump's reduction of support for renewable energy and international aid could impede emission reduction efforts. Jonathan Elkind from Columbia University noted that Trump's administration seems unconcerned about fossil fuels' long-term role in the energy mix, despite the urgent need for climate solutions globally.