US Criticizes 'Dangerous' Anti-Fossil Fuel Policies at London Summit

At the International Energy Agency's Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, the US, represented by Acting Assistant Secretary Tommy Joyce, strongly opposed policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels, labeling them 'harmful and dangerous.' Joyce argued that regulating energy sources other than renewables out of existence would undermine energy security and harm human lives. His remarks contrasted with a more moderate stance from IEA executive director Fatih Birol, who emphasized that every economy has its own energy pathway and acknowledged that oil and gas will remain important in the global energy mix. The summit highlighted significant divides over how quickly the world should transition from fossil fuels to renewables, with European officials advocating for increased low-carbon energy to enhance energy security. The US presence at the summit was limited to minor officials, and several major energy-producing countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, did not attend.