U.S. energy chief says IEA must 'drop' focus on climate change
The Hindu
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright calls for the IEA to refocus on energy security, dismissing climate change efforts as political.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged the International Energy Agency on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) to abandon its work on climate change and focus instead on its founding mission.
Mr. Wright threatened last year to pull the United States out of the IEA — which was founded to coordinate responses to major disruptions of supplies after the 1973 oil crisis — unless it reformed the way it operates.
The IEA was created "to focus on energy security", Mr. Wright said on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) at a ministerial meeting of the agency in Paris.
"That mission is beyond critical, and I'm here to plead to all the members (of the IEA) that we need to keep the focus of the IEA on this absolutely life-changing, world-changing mission of energy security," Mr. Wright said.
He said he wanted to get support from "all the nations in this noble organisation to work with us, to push the IEA to drop the climate. That's political stuff".
Editorial | Hot air: On Donald Trump and environmental issues
A suspected gas explosion in Karachi kills 16, including children, and injures 14, causing building collapse during Sehri.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol receives a life sentence for illegally imposing martial law and attempting a power grab.
Macron shares a heartwarming AI image with PM Modi, highlighting India-France collaboration at the AI Impact Summit 2026.
NIA charges three accused in Myanmar human trafficking case involving Indian youth, revealing a network deceiving victims for cyber scams.
Marco Rubio will update Netanyahu on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks during his visit to Israel next week, officials reveal.
The U.S. State Department is developing an online portal that will enable people in Europe and elsewhere to see content banned by their governments
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledges to ensure safety for all faiths in Bangladesh, emphasizing law, order, and inclusivity.
Eight skiers are dead and one missing after a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, marking a tragic winter disaster.
Trump hosts a Black History Month reception amid controversy over a racist social media post and his policies on diversity.
Russia's Foreign Ministry asserts India hasn't changed its stance on Russian oil imports, despite U.S. claims to the contrary.
Mark Zuckerberg testifies in a pivotal trial addressing social media addiction and its impact on youth mental health.
Sanae Takaichi's rise as Japan's first female PM signals potential structural reforms amid global uncertainties, asserts analyst Sanjaya Baru.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright calls for the IEA to refocus on energy security, dismissing climate change efforts as political.