The inaugural fossil fuel phaseout conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, marks a pivotal moment in global climate diplomacy, with 57 countries representing over half of the world’s GDP and a significant portion of fossil fuel production.
The first-ever fossil fuel phaseout conference commenced in Santa Marta, Colombia, on April 24, 2025, gathering representatives from 57 countries that collectively account for more than half of the global economy, approximately 30% of the world’s population, and 20% of fossil fuel production. This gathering signifies a notable shift in the global approach to climate change, moving the conversation around fossil fuel phaseout from climate advocacy to a central economic concern.
Historically, the phaseout of fossil fuels has been viewed as politically unfeasible unless every major producer reached a consensus. However, the Santa Marta conference aims to explore an alternative strategy: allowing a critical mass of countries to establish the necessary regulations, financing mechanisms, and scientific frameworks to facilitate the gradual decline of coal, oil, and gas. The goal is to prevent chaotic transitions that could arise from future crises.
Conference Objectives
Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the conference seeks to provide a collaborative platform for nations, subnational governments, and various stakeholders to discuss and implement an equitable transition away from fossil fuels in accordance with climate goals and scientific recommendations. Tzeporah Berman, founder and chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, described the atmosphere in Santa Marta as “really emotional, actually. Kind of euphoric.” She highlighted the diversity of participants, including 60 countries, academics, scientists, Indigenous representatives, and civil society members, all united to explore the logistics of a fossil fuel phaseout.
A Shift in Climate Diplomacy
The conference represents a significant departure from traditional climate diplomacy, which has often skirted around the core issue of fossil fuel production. Instead of merely negotiating emissions targets, the Santa Marta gathering focuses on the future of fossil fuels themselves. Berman articulated this shift, suggesting that the conference will reshape not only future discussions on fossil fuel phaseout but also influence the ongoing COP climate negotiations.
With a coalition representing over half of global GDP and one-fifth of fossil fuel production, the potential to influence markets and policy is substantial. This coalition aims to create policy certainty regarding clean energy investments, fossil fuel subsidy reforms, debt relief, legal protections for climate initiatives, transition planning for affected workers and communities, and science-aligned national roadmaps. Policy certainty is essential for investors as it transforms transition risks into viable capital allocation strategies.
Context of the Conference
The timing of the Santa Marta conference is particularly significant, coinciding with a severe global oil crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global oil supply plummeted by 10.1 million barrels per day in March 2025, marking the largest disruption in history. This context underscores that fossil fuel dependence is no longer merely an environmental issue but a question of economic security, inflation, and political stability.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, remarked that the current oil crisis has fundamentally altered the fossil fuel landscape, emphasizing the need for governments to reassess their reliance on fossil fuels and expedite transitions to renewable energy, nuclear power, and electrification. He stated, “The vase is broken, the damage is done,” highlighting the urgent necessity for a new energy paradigm.
Looking Forward
Johan Rockström, a leading figure in the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition, characterized the Santa Marta meeting as a historic moment coinciding with a peak global energy crisis surpassing even the 1970s oil crisis. He stressed that energy independence must now be viewed not only through the lens of climate change mitigation but also as a pathway to creating more prosperous and equitable societies.
Rockström further explained that the newly formed Science Panel will provide actionable guidance for countries transitioning away from fossil fuels, proposing specific strategies aligned with scientific recommendations. The panel aims to ensure that fossil fuel issues remain at the forefront of global policy discussions, effectively bridging the gap between climate science and practical governance.
The Role of Colombia
As the host country, Colombia faces unique challenges and contradictions, being both a fossil fuel producer and financially dependent on the sector. Colombia’s Environment Minister highlighted the participation of 56 countries, accompanied by over 1,500 civil society members, more than 400 academics, 30 parliamentarians, and 10 subnational governments. Under President Gustavo Petro, Colombia has committed to not granting new oil and gas contracts and refraining from expanding its coal industry, despite acknowledging the fiscal pressures tied to fossil fuel revenues.
This candid acknowledgment of economic realities is crucial. A successful fossil fuel phaseout must integrate economic strategies that acknowledge the decline of fossil fuels while also addressing the associated fiscal challenges. Colombia’s roadmap, which proposes a 90% reduction in fossil fuel use by 2050 with an estimated economic benefit of $280 billion over 24 years, exemplifies an effort to transform phaseout from a moral imperative into an achievable economic plan.
Future Prospects
The critical question remains whether the Santa Marta conference will be seen as a singular event or the initiation of an ongoing diplomatic process. Early indications suggest the latter, as Berman expressed optimism that this conference would lead to a series of future discussions on fossil fuel phaseout. Rockström echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of countries committed to following scientific guidance and reporting progress in future global climate negotiations.
With Tuvalu already offering to host the next meeting, the potential for continued dialogue and collaboration appears promising. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate stability and economic resilience, the Santa Marta conference represents a pivotal moment in rethinking energy strategies on a global scale.
Ultimately, the Santa Marta gathering illustrates that meaningful progress in climate diplomacy begins with collaborative efforts among a committed group of nations, paving the way for broader participation and more substantial policy shifts in the future.
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