The Global Conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta emphasized the need for science-based evidence and practical action to address the impacts of fossil fuel dependence. Recommendations included stronger collaborative governance, support for local actors, and redesigning regulatory frameworks to prioritize social and justice programs. The event highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy while ensuring financial resources are directed where they are most needed. The section also emphasized the importance of including local communities, social dialogue, and public participation in Just Transition strategies, with a focus on concrete action, binding commitments, and finance prioritizing people and the planet to achieve socially just and locally relevant transition strategies.
Author: Climatechangenews
-
ICJ follow-up resolution is a test of climate leadership at the UN
The resolution before the UN General Assembly seeks to operationalize the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on states' obligations in preventing and repairing climate harm, emphasizing a just transition away from fossil fuels and full reparation for climate-related harm. Resistance from polluters aims to weaken its authority and evade accountability, but passing the resolution would signal governments' commitment to the rule of law and collective action to protect the climate. The draft resolution aims to improve accountability and coordination in existing climate processes, addressing the lack of ambition in phasing out fossil fuels and tackling loss and damage. Consensus on the resolution would send a strong message of commitment to climate action and the rule of law, with global majority support being decisive in the face of resistance from powerful states.
-
The energy transition has a rare earth problem: These startups are solving it
The Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) plant in northeastern England and Silicon Valley startup Conifer are leading the way in developing rare earth-free electric motors for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce supply chain risks and environmental harm associated with rare earth mining. Niron Magnetics is also working on iron-based magnets to decrease manufacturing costs and dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies, with support from major automotive companies and Western governments. The US, Canada, and the European Union are investing in subsidies and research to mine and produce rare earth materials, while also exploring recycling and alternative materials to create a circular supply chain that reduces costs and environmental impact in the production of motors and other technologies.
-
Türkiye’s COP31 presidency and IEA join forces on clean energy push
Türkiye's COP31 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency, is working to accelerate the global clean energy transition in response to the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. The focus is on areas such as energy supply, electrification, and green industrialization, with an emphasis on expanding clean cooking solutions in developing countries and promoting waste recycling to reduce emissions. The IEA is organizing a summit in July to improve clean cooking access for Africans. Meanwhile, COP31 aims to address the lack of funding for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and supporting clean energy development outside of China, Europe, and the US. The presidency is prioritizing cutting emissions from garbage and developing a new mechanism to match climate projects with financing to ease access to funding for climate solutions.
-
What fossil fuels really cost us in a world at war
Anne Jellema of 350.org discusses the devastating impact of the war on Iran and Lebanon on global economy and households, with potential costs exceeding $1 trillion in adverse scenarios. The fossil fuel crisis is draining households and economies worldwide, with $158-$166 billion already extracted due to soaring prices, highlighting the urgent need for a global shift towards affordable clean energy solutions to address energy poverty and reduce dependence on costly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Governments should implement windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies, shift subsidies towards renewable solutions, and accelerate the rollout of clean energy technologies like solar and wind to create a more stable, fair, and resilient energy system.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/30/what-fossil-fuels-really-cost-us-in-a-world-at-war/
-
Santa Marta marks a new chapter in climate diplomacy
Professor Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in the global fight against climate change. The failure of COP30 to make decisions on fossil fuels highlights the challenges faced in international climate negotiations. A new initiative, the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, aims to prioritize the voices of those most impacted by the climate crisis and focus on implementing a just transition away from fossil fuel dependency. The conference also addresses the need for financial and technological support from developed countries to help developing nations transition to sustainable renewable-based economies. The Santa Marta conference aims to strengthen a coalition of ambitious states to address climate change and mobilize experts to support climate solutions, including the call for fossil fuel transition roadmaps and legal accountability on fossil fuels. Vanuatu pursues a new UN resolution to turn the ICJ climate opinion into action, focusing on fair diversification from fossil fuels and accessible renewable energy. The Santa Marta conference seeks to make progress through implementation, inclusion, and legal accountability in addressing climate and fossil fuel-related issues.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/28/santa-marta-marks-a-new-chapter-in-climate-diplomacy/
-
New panel of climate scientists calls for fossil fuel transition roadmaps
A new panel of experts, including top climate scientists, is urging governments to develop science-based and just roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The panel's recommendations were presented in Santa Marta, Colombia, ahead of a ministerial meeting on transitioning away from coal, oil, and gas. The panel emphasizes the need for whole-of-government plans to overcome barriers to the energy transition. A draft roadmap for Colombia, developed with input from European scientists, shows a pathway to economic and societal benefits through phasing out fossil fuels with energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. Developing countries need an exit route from the "debt trap" of fossil fuels to enable a just and effective transition. Brazil is working on a national roadmap for its economy and leading a global roadmap for climate solutions, with the new panel aiming to provide more specific and targeted advice at a faster pace than the IPCC. The transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action, with recommendations including banning new fossil fuel infrastructure and implementing carbon levies on imports. The panel will be co-chaired by experts from Cameroon, Germany, and Brazil, and will consist of scientists working on transition pathways, technological solutions, policies, and finance.
-
Why the transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action
The world must transition away from fossil fuels, but this requires structural transformation of economies and governance, not just technological substitution. Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in economic systems, leading to financial and institutional incentives that favor short-term extraction. Cities play a crucial role in accelerating the transition by reshaping demand, accelerating innovation, and demonstrating that a different model is possible. Transitioning away from fossil fuels not only lowers costs and improves public health, but also rebuilds trust in public institutions. Cities like Melbourne, Curitiba, Johannesburg, and Bogotá are taking significant steps towards reducing fossil fuel use and increasing renewable energy capacity, part of a global effort to halve fossil fuel use in C40 cities by 2030. The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta aims to bring together various stakeholders, including cities, to identify concrete pathways for a just and equitable transition, focusing on transforming energy supply and demand, overcoming economic dependence, and strengthening international cooperation to redefine development in a sustainable way. The message from Santa Marta is that the end of the fossil fuel era is already underway, and the focus now should be on ensuring a just, coordinated, and irreversible transition.
-
To phase out fossil fuels, developing countries need exit route from “debt trap”
At COP30, over 80 governments are proposing an initiative to address the debt crisis in the Global South by financing the transition to renewables with public grants instead of loans. The current debt architecture traps developing countries in a cycle where fossil fuel revenues are needed to service debt, hindering efforts to phase out coal, oil, and gas. Policy recommendations include debt cancellation and ending international finance for fossil fuel expansion to address climate challenges. Proper funding for renewable energy and diversification is crucial, as many countries in the Global South lack support for making the energy transition. The broken debt system must be fixed to confront future climate shocks and ensure a successful transition to renewable energy sources.
-
Extreme heat is rewriting food security. The best fixes are already within reach
The joint FAO-WMO report emphasizes the dangers of extreme heat on agriculture, highlighting the need for investments in heat-tolerant varieties, new farming practices, and early warning systems. The UN initiative Early Warnings for All provides region-specific guidance to protect crops and livestock during heat events, aiming to move from crisis response to heat readiness. Practical measures like shading crops and increasing water storage can help farmers reduce losses, while initiatives like solar-powered cold storage in Jamaica are aiding in reducing food loss. Addressing climate change impacts on agriculture is crucial for food security, with investing in preparation for extreme heat being a cost-effective solution to stabilize production and prices.