The First Conference on the Transition to Abandon Fossil Fuels, hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in Santa Marta, brought together nearly 60 countries. The focus was clear: create concrete policies to move away from fossil fuels.
Greenpeace called it a significant step for climate stability. This was the first time nations gathered to directly tackle the root cause of climate change—fossil fuels.
Greenpeace Insights
Pedro Zorrilla Miras from Greenpeace Spain praised the commitment shown at the conference. However, he cautioned, “Santa Marta must lead to real actions. We need a fair and well-funded transition.” He emphasized the need for Spain to take the lead with a solid national plan to phase out fossil fuels. This plan should include strict deadlines, taxes on fossil fuel profits, and an end to subsidies.
Laura Caicedo from Greenpeace Colombia noted that the conference brought attention to a just energy transition ahead of COP31 in Turkey. However, she warned against using this meeting as an excuse to delay existing commitments.
Main Outcomes
Key highlights from the summit included:
- The establishment of the Scientific Panel for Global Energy Transition, which will guide political bodies on clean energy.
- Inclusion of diverse voices—governments, scientists, and communities—made the discussions richer.
- A collective agreement to tax profits from large fossil fuel companies to finance the transition.
Voices from Around the World
- Anna Cárcamo from Greenpeace Brazil stressed the need to listen to communities seeking genuine solutions.
- Rodrigo Estrada from Greenpeace International raised concerns that ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, are inflating fossil fuel profits. He called for urgent steps toward renewable energy.
- Shiva Gounden, director of Greenpeace Australia-Pacific, celebrated the progress but noted that the transition pace isn’t fast enough for vulnerable Pacific communities.
Looking Ahead
The countries that emerged from Santa Marta now face the challenge of implementing ambitious national policies. They will also need to continue discussions in global forums, like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The next meeting will take place in Tuvalu in April 2027, co-hosted by Ireland. Greenpeace hopes this event will lead to real change.
In summary, the Santa Marta Summit marks a pivotal moment, addressing the urgent need to abandon fossil fuels. Greenpeace acknowledges the progress but stresses that it’s critical for commitments to turn into real policies. Only then can we ensure an energy transition that protects both our planet and its communities.
For more information on the transition to renewable energy, visit the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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climate summit,colombia,fossil fuels,Netherlands,sustainability
