Colombia is spearheading a new coalition to phase out fossil fuels, aiming to break global negotiation deadlocks and accelerate climate action amid rising energy insecurity and geopolitical tensions worldwide.
Colombia is seeking to reshape global climate action by leading the formation of a coalition of countries committed to phasing out fossil fuels, a move that comes at a time of deepening energy insecurity and rising geopolitical tensions.
Environment Minister Irene Vélez announced that the initiative will be discussed at an international conference on April 28 to 29 in Santa Marta, co-hosted by Colombia and Netherlands.
Framing the effort as a response to both the climate emergency and global economic uncertainty, Vélez said the aim is to unite “those of us who possess the will to eliminate fossil fuels” and are “ready for action.” At least 45 countries have already confirmed participation, including several hydrocarbon-producing nations from Europe and North America.
The initiative comes as the world faces an intensifying energy crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up oil prices and heightened fears of a broader economic slowdown. The crisis has exposed a growing contradiction in global energy policy: while many countries are pledging to transition away from fossil fuels, several have increased short-term reliance on coal, oil and gas to stabilise energy supplies.
The idea for the coalition was first discussed during COP30 in Belém, where nearly 200 nations struggled to reach consensus on a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. The deadlock largely reflected divisions between developed and developing countries, as well as resistance from fossil fuel-dependent economies concerned about economic disruption and energy access.
Analysts say smaller, action-oriented alliances like the one proposed by Colombia could help bypass slow-moving global negotiations and build momentum for more ambitious commitments. However, questions remain over how much influence such a coalition can exert on major emitters and whether it can translate political will into binding action.
Vélez also expressed hope that Gavin Newsom will attend the Santa Marta meeting, highlighting the growing role of subnational actors in climate diplomacy. Newsom has been a prominent advocate for climate policies in the United States, particularly in opposition to the rollback of environmental regulations under Donald Trump, underscoring the fragmented nature of global climate leadership.
Meanwhile, Brazil, which holds the COP30 presidency, is preparing an international roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. The proposal is expected to be presented at the next global climate summit, scheduled to take place in Turkey in November.
With mounting climate risks and continued dependence on fossil fuels, the Santa Marta conference is being closely watched as a potential turning point. Whether this emerging coalition can shift global negotiations or pressure the world’s largest emitters into faster action remains a critical question for the future of climate governance.
