Global Cooperation: The Key to Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels
Kudos to Colombia and the Netherlands for moving forward with the discussions about transitioning away from fossil fuels. One key lesson we've learned from recent conflicts in the Middle East is the world’s over-reliance on fossil fuels. For instance, the conflict in Iran is largely driven by a desire for fossil fuel revenues and control, highlighting the urgent need to shift to renewable energy sources.
In the recent past, criticism has mounted around the UNFCCC conferences for prioritizing emissions reduction pledges while sidestepping the root cause of climate change, which is the exploration of fossil fuels, including gas, coal, and oil. Negotiations often center on greenhouse gas targets, adaptation financing, and carbon markets, but avoid binding commitments to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
Climate activists and civil society continue to argue that this approach is more like “treating the symptoms while ignoring the disease.” At COP30 held in Brazil, more than 80 countries supported a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, but opposition from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, and the UAE blocked progress. In addition the presence of over 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists which was more than most national delegations, underscored the influence of industry interests in shaping outcomes.
The conference ended with the Belém Declaration, which emphasized green industrialization but avoided direct fossil fuel language. Despite this outcome, the Netherlands and Colombia stepped up to advance the fossil fuel phase-out agenda. The two countries organized a high-level conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, convening governments, civil society, and technical experts outside the COP framework. This conference brought together a coalition of willing nations ready to commit to ending fossil fuel exploration and production.
Picking Up Where COP30 Fell Short
The Santa Marta Conference that took place between April 24th – 29th, 2026, marked a historic turning point in climate diplomacy. Unlike traditional climate conferences that typically aim for a negotiated outcome, this conference was designed to create a pathway for building momentum towards a binding Fossil Fuel Treaty. It is important to note that this conference did not replace the UNFCCC process; rather, it served as a complement to bring together like-minded stakeholders.
The conference was attended by over 57 representatives from fossil fuels producing and consuming countries, trade unions, civil society, academics, representatives from Indigenous People, Afro-descendant communities, among others. The discussions on practical pathways to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production.
The outcome led to the launch of three thematic workstreams: overcoming economic dependence, transforming supply and demand, and advancing international cooperation, supported by a scientific panel of 250 experts. Although the conference did not produce any binding commitments, it marked a new model of climate diplomacy, characterized by smaller, selective coalitions that are willing to take action more swiftly than the consensus-driven negotiations of the COP.
Forging Ahead: Vanuatu in 2027
Delegates at the Santa Marta Conference agreed that the conversation on fossil fuel phase-out could not end in Colombia. To keep momentum, they committed to reconvening in 2027. The planned Vanuatu meeting will build on Santa Marta’s three thematic work streams including, economic dependence, supply and demand transformation, and international cooperation, while integrating the findings of the scientific panel of 250 experts. Delegates hope that by 2027, this parallel track will have produced concrete phase-out roadmaps and financing mechanisms to support a just transition.
The selection of Vanuatu as the next conference location was intentional. As a Pacific island nation directly affected by climate change, Vanuatu represents many developing countries that bear the heavy costs of climate impacts despite contributing little to the problem. Vanuatu has been a strong advocate for phasing out fossil fuels. Hosting the upcoming conference in Vanuatu carries significant symbolic meaning; it highlights the urgent concerns of vulnerable nations whose very survival depends on eliminating fossil fuel exploration.
What does a Just Transition look like?
As discussions on fossil fuel phase-out continue, the focus on a just transition is becoming increasingly important. While the Santa Marta Conference advanced the conversation, Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant communities raised strong concerns about the expansion of renewable energy projects. Their pushback centered on the risk that large-scale solar, wind, and hydro developments could fuel land grabs, displace communities, and infringe on ancestral rights, repeating the injustices of the fossil fuel era under a “green” banner.
Delegates acknowledged that these concerns must be central to the idea of a just transition. A just transition connects social justice with global efforts to address climate change and environmental threats. It involves moving away from coal, oil, and gas in a way that is equitable for all. This means protecting workers in both formal and informal sectors whose jobs rely on fossil fuels while also creating new opportunities for them.
Respect for land rights is equally a critical part of a just transition. Renewable projects must avoid dispossession and honour ancestral claims. It is important to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from communities before advancing on such lands. Communities should not only bear the costs of these projects but should also benefit tangibly, i.e., jobs, revenue sharing, infrastructure, and more. Ultimately, the renewable energy boom should not repeat the patterns of extraction where land and resources are taken without justice.
For poorer countries where the impacts of climate change are felt most, a just transition is about survival, fairness, and opportunity. It must acknowledge that these countries, despite contributing the least to global emissions, are paying the highest price. This imbalance must be met with financial support, technology, and capacity building. The financial support must be in the form of grants, not loans. The move to clean energy for these countries must not mean debt burdens, deepening inequalities, or poverty.
Kudos to Colombia and the Netherlands for moving forward with the discussions about transitioning away from fossil fuels. One key lesson we've learned from recent conflicts in the Middle East is the world’s over-reliance on fossil fuels. For instance, the conflict in Iran is largely driven by a desire for fossil fuel revenues and control, highlighting the urgent need to shift to renewable energy sources.
In the recent past, criticism has mounted around the UNFCCC conferences for prioritizing emissions reduction pledges while sidestepping the root cause of climate change, which is the exploration of fossil fuels, including gas, coal, and oil. Negotiations often center on greenhouse gas targets, adaptation financing, and carbon markets, but avoid binding commitments to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
Climate activists and civil society continue to argue that this approach is more like “treating the symptoms while ignoring the disease.” At COP30 held in Brazil, more than 80 countries supported a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, but opposition from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, and the UAE blocked progress. In addition the presence of over 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists which was more than most national delegations, underscored the influence of industry interests in shaping outcomes.
The conference ended with the Belém Declaration, which emphasized green industrialization but avoided direct fossil fuel language. Despite this outcome, the Netherlands and Colombia stepped up to advance the fossil fuel phase-out agenda. The two countries organized a high-level conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, convening governments, civil society, and technical experts outside the COP framework. This conference brought together a coalition of willing nations ready to commit to ending fossil fuel exploration and production.
Picking Up Where COP30 Fell Short
The Santa Marta Conference that took place between April 24th – 29th, 2026, marked a historic turning point in climate diplomacy. Unlike traditional climate conferences that typically aim for a negotiated outcome, this conference was designed to create a pathway for building momentum towards a binding Fossil Fuel Treaty. It is important to note that this conference did not replace the UNFCCC process; rather, it served as a complement to bring together like-minded stakeholders.
The conference was attended by over 57 representatives from fossil fuels producing and consuming countries, trade unions, civil society, academics, representatives from Indigenous People, Afro-descendant communities, among others. The discussions on practical pathways to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production.
The outcome led to the launch of three thematic workstreams: overcoming economic dependence, transforming supply and demand, and advancing international cooperation, supported by a scientific panel of 250 experts. Although the conference did not produce any binding commitments, it marked a new model of climate diplomacy, characterized by smaller, selective coalitions that are willing to take action more swiftly than the consensus-driven negotiations of the COP.
Forging Ahead: Vanuatu in 2027
Delegates at the Santa Marta Conference agreed that the conversation on fossil fuel phase-out could not end in Colombia. To keep momentum, they committed to reconvening in 2027. The planned Vanuatu meeting will build on Santa Marta’s three thematic work streams including, economic dependence, supply and demand transformation, and international cooperation, while integrating the findings of the scientific panel of 250 experts. Delegates hope that by 2027, this parallel track will have produced concrete phase-out roadmaps and financing mechanisms to support a just transition.
The selection of Vanuatu as the next conference location was intentional. As a Pacific island nation directly affected by climate change, Vanuatu represents many developing countries that bear the heavy costs of climate impacts despite contributing little to the problem. Vanuatu has been a strong advocate for phasing out fossil fuels. Hosting the upcoming conference in Vanuatu carries significant symbolic meaning; it highlights the urgent concerns of vulnerable nations whose very survival depends on eliminating fossil fuel exploration.
What does a Just Transition look like?
As discussions on fossil fuel phase-out continue, the focus on a just transition is becoming increasingly important. While the Santa Marta Conference advanced the conversation, Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant communities raised strong concerns about the expansion of renewable energy projects. Their pushback centered on the risk that large-scale solar, wind, and hydro developments could fuel land grabs, displace communities, and infringe on ancestral rights, repeating the injustices of the fossil fuel era under a “green” banner.
Delegates acknowledged that these concerns must be central to the idea of a just transition. A just transition connects social justice with global efforts to address climate change and environmental threats. It involves moving away from coal, oil, and gas in a way that is equitable for all. This means protecting workers in both formal and informal sectors whose jobs rely on fossil fuels while also creating new opportunities for them.
Respect for land rights is equally a critical part of a just transition. Renewable projects must avoid dispossession and honour ancestral claims. It is important to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from communities before advancing on such lands. Communities should not only bear the costs of these projects but should also benefit tangibly, i.e., jobs, revenue sharing, infrastructure, and more. Ultimately, the renewable energy boom should not repeat the patterns of extraction where land and resources are taken without justice.
For poorer countries where the impacts of climate change are felt most, a just transition is about survival, fairness, and opportunity. It must acknowledge that these countries, despite contributing the least to global emissions, are paying the highest price. This imbalance must be met with financial support, technology, and capacity building. The financial support must be in the form of grants, not loans. The move to clean energy for these countries must not mean debt burdens, deepening inequalities, or poverty.
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