First Major Conference on Moving Away from Fossil Fuels Begins in Colombia
Introduction
Representatives from more than 50 countries have gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first international meeting focused entirely on planning a shift away from fossil fuels. The conference, which runs from April 24 to 29, is taking place outside the official United Nations climate process.
Main Body
The conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, was created because many countries were frustrated by the lack of progress at the 2024 UN climate conference (COP). At that meeting, a group led by major oil and gas producers such as Russia and Saudi Arabia blocked a binding agreement to phase out fossil fuels. Organizers of the Santa Marta meeting want to create a space for practical and fair discussions on reducing the world''s use of coal, oil, and natural gas. They are focusing on the legal, economic, and social steps needed for such a change. Participants include countries that are most affected by climate change, such as Pacific Island developing states, as well as major fossil fuel producers like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Germany, France, and other EU member states, along with the European Commission, are also sending representatives. However, the world''s largest coal, oil, and gas producers—including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia—are not attending. The conference is described as a dialogue rather than a negotiation, and it is not expected to produce a treaty or binding promises. Supporters, including environmental groups like Greenpeace and the WWF, have called it a historic meeting of a new ''coalition of the willing.'' Cristian Retamal, Chile''s former UN climate negotiator, expressed hope that the talks could start a new global political movement, similar to how climate change became a UN-level issue in the 1990s. A spokesperson for the Dutch minister of climate and green growth stated that the focus is on taking action and doing concrete work, including a plan to end fossil fuel subsidies. Nikki Reisch, director of the climate and energy program at the Center for International Environmental Law, noted that the conference marks a turning point by making fossil fuels the main topic of discussion. Canada, the largest oil and gas producer at the meeting, is sending negotiators but no ministers. The Canadian federal government said it appreciates the effort to move the conversation forward and believes it has a valuable perspective as a major producer, while repeating its promise to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. However, official federal emissions estimates show that Canada''s oil and gas sector remains its biggest source of emissions. The conference is also addressing challenges related to the transition. Madeleine Wörner, a climate and energy expert at the German aid organization Misereor, warned that the talks will not act as a ''magic wand'' to solve all existing problems. She pointed out that major companies might seek compensation for lost profits under investor-state dispute settlement rules if fossil fuel facilities are closed early, which could lead to disputes between countries. Retamal acknowledged that it will likely take years to agree on a binding plan or treaty. The conference includes participation from civil society groups, academics, and private sector representatives for the first three days, with political representatives joining for the final two days.
Conclusion
The Santa Marta conference is not expected to produce a formal treaty, but it aims to encourage future meetings and negotiations. A second conference is already being planned, hosted by the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu. This meeting represents an effort by a smaller group of willing countries to make practical progress on the challenge of moving away from fossil fuels, and it could form a powerful group to push the issue at future UN climate talks.