Donald Trump’s recurring slogan of “drill, baby, drill” advocates for increased oil and gas extraction within the United States. However, his ambitions extend even further: he aims to secure a global dependence on fossil fuels that significantly contribute to climate change for as long as possible.
In pursuit of this goal, the Trump administration is strategizing partnerships with various countries, including Japan and Ukraine. By leveraging U.S. tariffs and military aid, the administration seeks to enhance the global distribution of oil and gas resources, thereby consolidating American influence over the international energy market.
In Africa, this approach has taken a particularly controversial turn. The administration has actively promoted the revival of coal—a fossil fuel often criticized for its severe environmental impact—as a means to provide energy solutions for the continent.
Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, recently addressed the longstanding reluctance of Western nations to support coal development. He described the prevalent narrative surrounding coal as “paternalistic” and ultimately detrimental to Africa’s energy prospects. “For years, we’ve witnessed Western countries asserting that coal is inherently bad,” Wright stated last week“.
This viewpoint is not only misguided but fundamentally ignores coal’s crucial role in transforming and advancing modern societies.” He asserted, “That’s just nonsense, 100% nonsense. Coal played a vital role in our industrial development and has the potential to uplift economies if managed responsibly”.
