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Fossil Fuel Dependency Crisis

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Western governments' energy policies have created global vulnerabilities despite promises of renewable transition. The author contends that abandoning fossil fuels left energy supplies exposed to geopolitical disruptions, with policymakers mistakenly believing renewables could quickly replace traditional energy sources.

Fossil fuels accounted for 87% of global energy consumption in 2024, nearly unchanged from five decades ago. Despite trillions of dollars invested in renewable technology, world demand for oil, natural gas, and coal reached record levels in 2025. This contradiction highlights the gap between political ambitions and energy reality.

The current energy crisis stems not from geopolitical tensions alone but from fundamental policy errors. Markets have spoken clearly: despite decades of subsidies and regulation, the world remains overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels. Energy security requires acknowledging this reality rather than pursuing ideological energy mandates.