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Treasury Secretary Bessent Challenges Climate Change Consensus, Advocates Fossil Fuels

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 14, 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said determining actual causes of climate change is challenging, contradicting the scientific consensus that human activity, particularly fossil fuel combustion, drives warming.
He urged international financial institutions to prioritize economic growth and poverty alleviation over climate finance and invest in all energy sources, including fossil fuels.
Bessent's remarks align with President Donald Trump's administration's rollback of clean energy initiatives and environmental regulations.

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Story summary

On April 14, 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said determining actual causes of climate change is challenging, contradicting the scientific consensus that human activity, particularly fossil fuel combustion, drives warming.
He urged international financial institutions to prioritize economic growth and poverty alleviation over climate finance and invest in all energy sources, including fossil fuels.
Bessent's remarks align with President Donald Trump's administration's rollback of clean energy initiatives and environmental regulations.