Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Colombia

  • The Methane Opportunity Is Now

    Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, continue to rise despite its short lifespan in the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to global warming. However, there is hope in reducing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas industry, with existing technology and no net cost to emitters. Countries like Canada, Nigeria, and Colombia are making progress in curbing methane emissions, which could lead to health and economic benefits while also being a key step towards achieving net zero emissions. Additionally, advancements in geothermal energy and bipartisan efforts to reinstate clean energy tax credits signal a potential shift towards sustainable practices and combating climate change on a larger scale.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/the-methane-opportunity-is-now/

  • 57 Countries Meet to Up Ambition on Climate

    A new coalition of 57 countries met in Colombia to address global decarbonization and create a framework for a clean energy transition, excluding fossil fuel interests. The coalition aims to phase out coal, oil, and gas and accelerate progress at future COPs. Three voluntary "workstreams" were adopted to develop national and regional roadmaps, revamp the global financial system, and facilitate a fossil-fuel-free trade system. The coalition plans to continue exploring the art of the possible to benefit future climate negotiations and the global drive to net zero. Geopolitical shocks and disrupted oil flows are prompting import-dependent economies to accelerate shifts in energy strategy towards clean alternatives, highlighting the need for more efficient use of existing crops and the competition for clean energy technologies.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/57-countries-meet-to-up-ambition-on-climate/

  • What to Expect at the Santa Marta Climate Conference

    Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the Santa Marta conference to address the climate crisis by transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner. At least 50 countries and the EU will participate in developing evidence-based policies aligned with recent climate change rulings. The conference aims to overcome barriers such as fossil fuel subsidies and national debt, with a focus on transforming energy supply and demand. Success will be measured by expanding the coalition of states committed to phasing out fossil fuels and creating a dedicated forum for continued action, potentially influencing COP31. Led by nations most impacted by climate change, the conference aims to prioritize practical cooperation to address urgent climate challenges.

    https://drilled.media/news/santa-marta-preview

  • Santa Marta May Be a Game-Changing Moment

    The First Conference On Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia brought together 57 countries to discuss how to leave behind fossil fuels as the primary driver of climate change. The head of the International Energy Agency stated that the war in Iran has broken fossil fuel markets beyond repair, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. The conference focused on learning from various sectors, including businesses and Indigenous peoples, to disentangle economies and societies from fossil fuels. France released a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, while companies like BYD and Fortescue showcased initiatives for zero emissions. The conference emphasized the importance of individual and national actions for stronger climate action. The potential impact of the COP31 conference in November, particularly focusing on the economic power of the "coalition of the willing" countries, including California, was also discussed. These countries account for 30% of global fossil fuel consumption, and withdrawing their buying power could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. A follow-up conference is planned for February 2027. The concept of "climateflation" and the connection between climate change impacts and cost of living expenses were highlighted, along with the importance of renewables for stability and sovereignty. Information on upcoming events, training opportunities, and job openings in the climate and environment sector was also provided. Applications for fellowships with Pulitzer Center, Chips Quinn Reporter Fellowship, Quanta Magazine, and ProPublica were mentioned, along with a call to support Covering Climate Now.

    https://coveringclimatenow.org/from-us-story/santa-marta-may-be-a-game-changing-moment/

  • In Colombia, 57 Nations Chart A Path To A Future Without Fossil Fuels

    The recent climate talks in Colombia brought together nearly sixty nations to develop national "road maps" to end the production and use of fossil fuels, marking a departure from the annual UN climate negotiations. The event focused on practical steps to transition away from fossil fuels, with positive feedback from attendees. The head of the International Energy Agency noted that the war in Iran has irreparably damaged fossil fuel markets, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. France announced plans to phase out fossil fuels, and a "coalition of the willing" countries aims to accelerate the retreat from fossil fuels. The impact of the conference may depend on government implementation of policies and the participation of more countries in future efforts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/30/in-colombia-57-nations-chart-a-path-to-a-future-without-fossil-fuels/

  • 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.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/25/new-panel-of-top-climate-scientists-calls-for-fossil-fuel-transition-roadmaps/

  • The Santa Marta Conference on Fossil Fuel Transition Can Be a Turning Point

    Colombia and the Netherlands are hosting a conference in Santa Marta to discuss transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing economic and national security risks. The failure of COP 30 has led to the creation of a "coalition of the willing" to work on practical steps for a global energy transition, including phasing out fossil fuels. Clean energy adoption is becoming more cost-effective, offering greater energy security and protection from global shocks. The conference aims to provide a concrete course of action for transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing challenges such as fossil fuel subsidies and industry lobbying. It emphasizes the importance of developing taxonomies aligned with net zero scenarios and committing to phasing out fossil fuel use for a sustainable future.

    https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/santa-marta-conference-fossil-fuel-transition-can-be-turning-point

  • Revealed: Scientists tell Colombia fossil-fuel transition summit to ‘halt new expansion’

    Around 50 nations will gather in Santa Marta, Colombia to discuss transitioning away from fossil fuels, following the failure to agree on a roadmap at COP30. A preliminary scientific report, created by a group of 24 scientists, offers recommendations such as halting new fossil fuel expansion and phasing out subsidies. The report, with "action insights" and prescriptive recommendations, will be further refined before being made public at the end of April. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations for countries to transition away from fossil fuels, with the aim of encouraging immediate climate action and informing a global roadmap being developed by the Brazilian COP30 presidency.

    https://www.carbonbrief.org/revealed-scientists-tell-colombia-fossil-fuel-transition-summit-to-halt-new-expansion/

  • Major oil producers among 46 nations joining fossil fuel phase-out summit

    Forty-six countries, including major oil, coal, and gas producers such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Norway, will attend a conference in Santa Marta to accelerate the global shift from fossil fuels. The summit aims to create an international coalition committed to ending reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas, with a focus on prioritizing science and phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption. Notably absent are the United States and Saudi Arabia, while vulnerable nations like Palau and Sierra Leone are in attendance. The outcomes of the conference will inform discussions at COP31 and provide a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with campaigners seeing it as an opportunity to showcase credible transitions and build momentum for global action. Colombia views the current global energy shock as a chance to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/31/major-oil-producers-among-46-nations-joining-fossil-fuel-phase-out-summit/

  • Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels

    Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/08/womens-leadership-is-central-to-unlocking-the-global-phaseout-of-fossil-fuels/