Coalition to move away from fossil fuels presses ahead without founding member Colombia

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The coalition, launched in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April, emerged from frustration over the slow pace of international efforts to reduce dependence on coal, oil and gas.

It is expected to release a progress report this week in Antalya, Turkey, outlining next steps, including additional national plans, and bringing representatives from 57 countries together.

Unlike formal UN negotiations, it was designed to encourage open discussions without pressure to reach binding agreements.

Ireland and Tuvalu are preparing to take over leadership from Colombia and the Netherlands, with a second conference planned for July 2027.

A statement from Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment confirmed Colombia’s withdrawal, saying: “This process is bigger than any one country.”

Colombia’s withdrawal follows the election of far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August promising to strengthen the country’s oil and gas industry and revive exploration.

He succeeded leftist Gustavo Petro, who had made moving away from fossil fuels central to his agenda and stopped awarding new exploration contracts.

Irene Velez, Colombia’s former environment minister and a leading advocate for the coalition, said it had developed momentum beyond the government that helped establish it, adding: “Santa Marta has a life of its own.”

Nearly 200 countries agreed for the first time to transition away from fossil fuels at Cop28 in 2023, but set no binding timetable.

Since then, little has happened at the international level toward reducing greenhouse gases.

Fanny Petitbon, of 350.org, warned that dropping contested proposals would undermine the summit’s ambition, saying: “Cutting fossil fuel dependence and scaling up climate finance, including by making big polluters foot part of the bill, are two make-or-break issues for a successful Cop outcome.”

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