This discussion is part of a special limited series from The New York Times, “Climate Forward,” which brings together urgent and frank conversations with top world leaders, business executives, and policymakers. These compelling discussions were recorded live at the annual Climate Forward conference in New York.
As the former energy secretary under President Trump, Chris Wright, who also has a background as a fracking executive, was instrumental in shaping an energy agenda largely characterized by deregulation and a significant push for fossil fuel expansion.
During his conversation with David Gelles, Mr. Wright made it clear that he would “absolutely” welcome other countries to follow the United States’ lead under the Trump administration by withdrawing from the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change. He also vehemently defended the Trump administration’s actions against wind and solar energy, asserting that these technologies faced a “fever pitch” of opposition across the nation.
Understanding Chris Wright’s Perspective
David Gelles reports extensively on climate change and is a key figure behind The Times’s Climate Forward newsletter and related event series.