More than 50 countries have gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the First Conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels. Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, ministers and senior officials are discussing concrete ways to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
While the conference is not expected to produce binding commitments, a scientific panel has asked participating governments to consider a halt on new fossil fuel expansion, among other proposals.
The gathering occurs as Colombian President Gustavo Petro seeks to wean the country's economy off oil and coal, a vow he made upon his election in 2022. Colombia's goals are to exit coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and natural gas by 2050.
Despite these objectives, Petro's energy transition plan remains unfulfilled, and the country continues to rely on fossil-fuel production. This remains the case as the first round of a presidential election is set for May 31.