The American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be ugly | Jonathan Watts
The article argues that the era of American dominance in oil is declining as the global energy landscape shifts. China is rapidly advancing in the clean energy transition, while the US faces internal resistance to moving away from fossil fuels. This divergence could lead to significant geopolitical and economic consequences.
- ▪China is taking a leading role in the global energy transition with substantial investments and technological advancements.
- ▪The United States is experiencing political and industrial pushback against phasing out fossil fuels.
- ▪The shift in energy power dynamics may undermine US geopolitical influence in the coming decades.
- ▪Renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle production are key areas where China currently outpaces the US.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The featured essayEnergyThe American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be uglyChina is dominating the energy transition with astonishing result, while fossil fuel fascists in the US try to turn back the clockJonathan WattsSun 17 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 17 May 2026 09.02 EDTSharebody.ios .article,body.android .article{overflow:unset;overflow-y:unset;overflow-x:clip}body.android .progress-bar-wrapper{top:58px}.progress-bar-wrapper.svelte-6atxfw{position:sticky;top:-1px;width:100vw;margin:-24px -10px 14px;opacity:0;transition:opacity .5s ease;z-index:25}@media (min-width: 30em){.progress-bar-wrapper.svelte-6atxfw{margin:-24px -21px 14px}}@media (min-width: 41.25em){.progress-bar-wrapper.svelte-6atxfw{width:620px}}@media (min-width:…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
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