President Donald Trump has long campaigned the “drill, baby, drill” agenda, advocating for increased oil and gas drilling in the U.S. However, his approach reveals a larger goal: Prolong the global dependence on fossil fuels, which is driving the climate crisis.
The Trump administration struck deals with countries, like Japan and Ukraine, using tariffs to fuel oil and gas markets worldwide. His stance is clear: The energy grid’s perceived unreliability requires more fossil fuel extraction. However, this narrow approach overlooks the immense need for long-term potential of clean, renewable energy solutions.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, for example, is set to funnel $18 billion into large-scale clean power projects in Illinois by 2030, creating 42,000 jobs in the clean energy sector. This shift toward sustainable energy sources presents a viable, forward-thinking alternative to Trump’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, has made controversial statements in support of fossil fuels.
“We’ve had years of Western countries shamelessly saying, ‘Don’t develop coal, coal is bad.’ That’s just nonsense, 100% nonsense. Coal transformed our world and made it better,” Wright said.
While fossil fuels have transformed our world, they might also be part of our demise. The global reliance on these resources along with continued government subsidies is draining taxpayer dollars while enriching fossil fuel companies that profit in the billions each year.
Robert Stryk, the chair of Stryk Global Diplomacy, also weighed in on Trump’s policies, noting, “With President Trump’s rollbacks of restrictions, there will be new opportunities for U.S. investors to engage with Africa’s oil and gas sector. Let Africa choose its own destiny.”
He argues that renewables are a hollow solution trapping people in poverty. However, Stryk’s argument overlooks the fact that many African countries are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change — rising temperatures, worsening floods, heat waves and droughts — and these effects are only expected to intensify.
According to scientists, the climate crisis, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, poses catastrophic risks to our planet. Africa, in particular, is warming at a rate faster than the global average. In some countries, climate-related disasters have caused losses of up to 5% of the gross domestic product, further deepening poverty.
As the global community gradually shifts toward cleaner energy, the pace of change remains far too slow to mitigate the effects of climate change. Despite this, Trump has actively worked to reverse the progress made under former President Joe Biden, including lifting the pause on U.S. gas exports. Countries, like Japan and South Korea, are now eyeing Alaska’s gas resources, fearing the tariffs imposed by Trump’s policies.
The oil and gas industry is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide and is the primary driver of climate change. It continues to be the largest contributor to the decline of global ecosystems and public health, yet the vast sums of money invested in fossil fuels could easily be redirected to fund a transition to renewable energy. Unfortunately, the powerful influence of oil companies on political leaders ensures the persistent dependence on fossil fuels.
A shift to clean energy is not only crucial for the health of the planet but also for the well-being of future generations. The deep-rooted greed of the fossil fuel industry and the politicians it controls continues to block the necessary change.
