Martin Franklin recently reviewed a landmark event—the Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 28-29, 2026. This was the first international conference dedicated entirely to tackling the issue of fossil fuel dependency. While hailed as an important step, questions remain about its potential impact.
For years, major climate meetings have faced pushback from powerful nations and fossil fuel interests. This often meant that countries in the global South, Indigenous communities, and others struggling with climate change were sidelined. However, the Santa Marta Conference aimed to break that cycle by limiting participation to those genuinely committed to change. A climate journalist noted the absence of fossil fuel lobbyists, reflecting a new approach to these discussions.
Historically, the topic of fossil fuels was often absent from negotiations. For instance, in 1995, the first Conference of the Parties (COP) neglected to address fossil fuel use. It wasn’t until 2023, at COP28, that a pledge for a transition away from fossil fuels was officially recognized. Despite this progress, COP29 in 2024 saw a lack of commitment from major fossil fuel-producing countries, leaving many feeling betrayed.
The frustrations were evident at COP30, where protests erupted over insufficient agreements. A crucial development came when 43 countries, frustrated with COP processes, drafted the Belém Declaration, advocating for the transition away from fossil fuels. This momentum led to the Santa Marta Conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, which aimed to establish a framework free from fossil fuel influence. Over 50 countries attended, excluding major oil-producing nations like the US and Saudi Arabia, to create a coalition for change.
The Conference featured a “science pre-conference” with around 400 experts and engaged various stakeholders, concluding with a segment for ministers and climate envoys. Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres emphasized the disconnect between science and policy, stemming from denialism.
The Conference yielded three main workstreams aimed at facilitating global energy transitions:
1. Developing roadmaps for a global energy shift, guided by scientific input.
2. Addressing economic dependencies on fossil fuels.
3. Aligning the needs of producers and consumers during this transition.
Participants recognized that transitioning to cleaner energy goes beyond simply swapping energy sources. It requires a comprehensive economic change to dismantle structural dependencies and ensure sustainable energy access. This involves enhancing public financial management and restructuring debt to facilitate transition investments.
A “People’s Assembly” incorporated voices from various communities, including Indigenous peoples. One activist poignantly remarked about their desire to be heard rather than serve as mere tokens.
The discussions at Santa Marta demonstrated the global capability to address environmental issues, reminiscent of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which successfully phased out substances harming the ozone layer. The progress made there hints at the potential for similar advancements in fossil fuel policies.
However, with almost half of the conference participants being fossil fuel producers, voluntary roadmaps lacked binding timelines or enforcement mechanisms. For example, France has set deadlines for transitioning away from fossil fuels by 2050, while the UK struggles to meet its existing climate commitments.
The Conference’s outcomes will integrate into UN frameworks, shaping the agenda for future COPs. Critics worry, though, that the strong focus on corporate accountability may have waned in the final agreements. The fossil fuel industry has long used legal mechanisms to protect its interests, complicating efforts for reform.
The ongoing crisis in the Middle East highlights the need to shift away from fossil fuel dependency, which fuels not only climate change but also geopolitical instability. The Santa Marta Conference provides a platform for climate justice, even as persuading governments to adopt its proposals poses significant challenges.
Although hope appears dim given current international tensions, the Santa Marta Conference marks an essential shift in how the world discusses climate change. By linking fossil fuel issues to broader socio-economic injustices, it opens the door for more impactful dialogues and actions in the fight against climate change.
Martin Franklin is involved with the Islington Environmental Forum, and his insights reflect a growing urgency to address these pivotal environmental challenges.
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