US Energy Secretary Criticizes European Climate Policies for Economic and Energy Challenges

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has sharply criticized European climate policies, describing them as a "cult of climate" that has weakened the European economy and energy production over the past 17 years. Speaking at a ministerial conference of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, Wright highlighted that Europe's energy output has declined, while energy prices have significantly increased, placing economic strain on the continent.

Wright contended that these policies have led to the relocation of jobs to Asia and increased Europe's dependency on Russian energy supplies. He called into question the focus on climate change, suggesting that its actual impact is limited to a slight increase in global temperature and moisture, and criticized the IEA's prioritization of the net-zero agenda under the Paris Agreement.

Since Donald Trump's return to the US presidency in 2025, the US government has rolled back major climate commitments, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and repealing a 2009 law aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these divergences, Wright emphasized that US-European relations remain strong, describing the bond as one of "affectionate firmness," and clarified that tensions over Greenland have not led to any actions such as invasion.

Wright also discussed US energy strategies beyond Europe. In Venezuela, efforts to boost oil production have succeeded in generating substantial revenues and addressing corruption following political developments there. Furthermore, he urged Europe to strengthen its military and energy systems to reduce vulnerabilities.

Overall, his comments signal an ongoing US push to reform international energy priorities away from strictly climate-focused agendas, advocating instead for a balanced approach that considers economic and geopolitical factors alongside environmental concerns.