Introduction
Colombia, under the leadership of leftist politician and economist Gustavo Petro, has become one of the most vocal advocates for the global transition away from fossil fuels.
In April, the country hosted a first-of-its-kind meeting of countries on transitioning away from fossil fuels, alongside the Netherlands, in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta.
The meeting concluded with a promise for a new “Santa Marta process” spearheaded by Colombia and the Netherlands, a movement of countries that would continue to push for a transition away from fossil fuels at home and in international climate talks.
How the Election Defeat Could Change Colombia’s Stance on Fossil Fuels
In 2022, Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president in recent history.
Under his leadership, Colombia became the first major oil producer and exporter to halt all new fossil fuel expansion, boosted renewable energy, and saw a sustained decline in deforestation.
However, the new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has promised to quickly boost fossil fuel and mining projects, including fracking.
How This Could Affect International Efforts to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels
Just two days after the Colombian government’s election defeat, Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres presented a report on key takeaways from the Santa Marta summit.
The report speaks of an ongoing “Santa Marta process” to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels, which will be coordinated by Colombia and the Netherlands, along with the two appointed co-hosts of the second conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, Tuvalu and Ireland.
Minister Vélez Torres said that the work done by the Colombian government “cannot be erased”, despite the change in power.
How Efforts to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Could Feature at COP31
The COP30 presidency is due to release a voluntary international “fossil fuel roadmap” ahead of COP31 in Turkey in November, which it has promised will be informed by the takeaways from Santa Marta.
Minister Vélez Torres said that the plan for the “Santa Marta process” is to hold fossil fuel transition summits in a different country every year, with two new co-hosts each time.
Source / Reference: https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-what-change-of-power-in-colombia-could-mean-for-worlds-fossil-fuel-transition/