Santa Marta may be a game-changing moment

A critical mass of countries begins mapping a fossil fuel phaseout in Santa Marta, Colombia. After years of United Nations climate summits rarely mentioning fossil fuels, 57 countries—representing one-third of the world’s economy—attended the First Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels. Climate scientist Johan Rockstrom told delegates, "You are the light in a tunnel of darkness." The conference drew strong media interest: 146 journalists from 61 news outlets and 28 countries attended in person, with countless others following livestreams. The gathering was boosted by the International Energy Agency’s head, Fatih Birol, stating that the Iran war had irreparably disrupted fossil fuel markets, pushing countries toward renewable energy. Irene Velez Torres, Colombia’s environment minister, welcomed Birol’s comments, noting fossil fuels’ vulnerability to scarcity. The conference aimed to learn from businesses, indigenous peoples, and civil society on transitioning economies from fossil fuels. Each country’s roadmap would be voluntary and tailored to its circumstances. Rachel Kyte, UK’s climate special representative, emphasized collaboration over legal agreements. France released its first national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2027 (coal), 2045 (oil), and 2050 (gas). BYD and Fortescue hosted a private roundtable aboard the world’s first fossil-free cargo ship, urging "real zero" emissions over carbon offsets. Ana Toni, former COP30 executive director, urged citizens to demand stronger climate action at the ballot box and through consumer choices. The conference’s conclusions aim to accelerate progress at COP31 in November, with a follow-up in Tuvalu in 2027. The coalition of willing countries—including California—accounts for 30% of global fossil fuel consumption. Withdrawing their buying power could accelerate the retreat from fossil fuels. The event’s rhetoric may be matched by policy implementation, but reactions from major emitters like the U.S. and China remain uncertain.