‘Time to move forward, or be left behind’: Colombia climate talks end with fossil fuel phaseout push
‘Time to move forward, or be left behind’: Colombia climate talks end with fossil fuel phaseout push
Time to move forward or be left – The ongoing energy crisis has highlighted the extent to which nations rely on imported fossil fuels and the vulnerabilities that come with this reliance. In response, 56 countries convened in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the inaugural global summit focused on crafting a just and equitable pathway to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This gathering marked a pivotal shift in international climate discourse, as leaders sought to align energy strategies with the urgent need to mitigate climate change. While European nations dominated the event with 30% of attendees, the absence of the United States—arguably the world’s largest oil and gas producer—underscored a stark divide in global climate priorities.
The Trump administration was notably excluded from the discussions, a decision attributed to its persistent efforts to roll back progress on clean energy initiatives. This omission sparked debates about the influence of political stances on international cooperation. Despite the US absence, major fossil fuel exporters like Australia, Türkiye, Canada, and Norway participated, reflecting a complex web of global interests. The conference, held under the Colombian presidency, set the stage for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, scheduled for November 9–20, 2026. Australia will lead the negotiations during this event, further emphasizing the evolving dynamics of climate leadership.
Civil Society’s Spotlight
What distinguished this summit from previous climate gatherings was its emphasis on civil society. The event began with a four-day ‘People’s Summit,’ assembling over 1,000 non-governmental organizations, scientists, Indigenous communities, social activists, and youth representatives. This inclusive approach brought a human-centric perspective to the discussion, challenging traditional top-down policymaking. Participants highlighted the urgency of the transition, framing it as not just an environmental issue but a societal imperative that affects every sector of the economy.
One poignant moment came when young activists spoke about the health impacts of coal pollution, recounting stories of friends afflicted by respiratory illnesses linked to fossil fuel emissions. These testimonies reinforced the moral argument for a rapid shift to cleaner energy. “The children who addressed the conference reminded us of the stakes,” said Milena Sergeeva of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “They urged leaders to prioritize the well-being of future generations over short-term economic gains.” This focus on grassroots voices added a new dimension to the dialogue, pushing policymakers to consider the social and economic dimensions of the energy transition.
Legal Accountability and Policy Evolution
Legal scholars and environmental advocates played a critical role in shaping the summit’s outcomes. In a public statement, over 250 lawyers and academics argued that governments now have a legal obligation to eliminate fossil fuels, irrespective of their participation in international treaties. “Fossil fuels have long been seen as unavoidable,” noted Rebecca Brown, President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law. “That mindset is no longer acceptable.” This legal perspective was bolstered by the release of a national roadmap by France, which outlines specific targets for phasing out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas for energy by 2050. The plan integrates existing measures, such as banning gas boilers in new buildings starting in 2026, with new commitments to support global transitions.
“The actions of the coalition of the willing in Santa Marta will almost certainly inspire more phase-out actions,” Edward Maibach of the Global Climate and Health Alliance told Euronews Earth. “They are establishing a new social norm that signals it’s time for all nations to move forward – or risk being left behind.”
The summit also featured a newly established advisory body comprising more than 500 scientists. This group aims to provide actionable insights on how to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal, offering solutions that span policy frameworks and industry-specific strategies. Researchers emphasized the importance of consolidating existing data to create clear benchmarks for the speed of fossil fuel reduction, ensuring that both emissions and systemic changes are addressed. Financial mechanisms, governance reforms, and the scaling of renewable technologies were identified as key enablers of the transition.
Financing the Future
Despite the momentum generated at the conference, a central challenge remains: financing. Santa Marta made it clear that political will alone cannot drive a fossil fuel phaseout without adequate financial support. This issue is particularly pressing in the Global South, where high borrowing costs and limited access to capital continue to hinder progress, even as renewable energy sources become increasingly cost-effective. Some governments are exploring ways to leverage revenues from fossil fuels to fund the transition, but the debate over how to balance short-term economic needs with long-term environmental goals persists.
Participants acknowledged that the shift to clean energy requires not only policy innovation but also substantial investment. The summit’s final report will outline practical steps to ensure that financial barriers are addressed, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and funding mechanisms tailored to developing nations. As the world moves toward COP31, the discussions in Santa Marta have laid a foundation for more ambitious climate action, with the hope that nations will rise to the occasion and demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change.
