Around 60 governments, including Brazil, Germany, Canada, and Nigeria, are meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia to discuss practical steps for transitioning away from fossil fuels. The gathering, which began on Tuesday, aims to share strategies rather than set new global targets.
Key Takeaways
Around 60 governments are meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia to discuss practical steps for phasing out fossil fuels amid rising global energy prices driven by the Iran war. The gathering includes nations like Brazil, Germany, Canada, and Nigeria but notably excludes major polluters China, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting focuses on financial instruments, regulatory incentives, and planning tools needed to phase out fossil fuels. It also addresses creating investment conditions for industries switching from gas to electricity and reforming fossil fuel subsidies. The event is co-organized by the Netherlands and Colombia and reflects frustration with slow progress in annual U.N. climate talks.
The Iran war has highlighted global dependency on oil and gas, with Asian economies facing fuel shortages and European countries experiencing surging energy costs. Stientje van Veldhoven, climate minister for the Netherlands, emphasized that reducing dependence on fossil fuels bolsters economic and energy security. The meeting also underscores concerns about the slow progress in U.N. climate negotiations, where consensus is often difficult to achieve.
Indigenous leaders at the conference warned against using the energy transition as an excuse to exploit their territories. They highlighted the need for well-protected natural environments and expressed concerns that renewable technologies could bring new challenges, such as mining critical minerals. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reported that fossil fuels received $1.2 trillion in subsidies globally in 2024, compared to $254 billion for clean energy.
The conference aims to create a 'coalition of the willing' and provide fresh momentum to global climate negotiations. It includes more than 50 countries, dozens of subnational governments, and thousands of civil society representatives. The gathering is seen as a response to the slow pace of U.N. climate talks, where consensus on phasing out fossil fuels has been elusive.
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