Chris Wright has given the International Energy Agency a one-year ultimatum to move away from its net-zero emissions agenda or risk the United States reconsidering its membership.
Speaking on Thursday, Wright criticised the agency’s support for the 2050 net-zero goal, calling it a “destructive illusion” and saying Washington would use all available leverage to push for a policy shift within the next year.
Nearly 200 countries, including the United States, agreed under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by cutting fossil fuel use and aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.
Wright said the U.S. does not want to withdraw from the Paris-based energy watchdog, warning that an exit could allow China to gain greater influence within the organisation.
He added that several countries have privately expressed support for Washington’s call to prioritise energy competitiveness, re-industrialisation and stronger military capacity over climate targets.
However, he said some European governments were unlikely to publicly retreat from their climate commitments, having tied their political platforms to the net-zero agenda.
The comments come as independent advisers to the European Union warned this week that the bloc is unprepared for worsening climate impacts and must urgently increase investment to safeguard infrastructure and communities.
According to the United Nations, current national climate pledges would still result in 2.3 to 2.5 degrees Celsius of global warming this century, underscoring the gap between commitments and climate goals.
Wright’s remarks signal mounting tensions between Washington and global climate institutions, as debate intensifies over balancing energy security, economic competitiveness and emissions reductions.