Countries meet in first global effort to phase out fossil fuels amid frustration at COP stalemates; The conference in Colombia seeks urgent climate action.

More than 50 countries will gather in Colombia from April 24 to 29 to forge a path away from fossil fuels. This new multilateral effort comes in response to dissatisfaction with the pace of previous COP negotiations.

Sources:
DW.comBBCThe Guardian+1
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Sources: DW.comThe Guardian
Over 50 nations are meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 24 to 29, 2023, to devise a plan to phase out fossil fuels as dissatisfaction grows with stagnant COP negotiations.
Many nations feel a sense of urgency due to ongoing energy crises exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, notably the war in Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets.

Fossil fuel subsidies amount to approximately $920 billion yearly, prompting the need for concrete measures to transition to cleaner energy sources.

Colombia's environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this gathering, stating, “We are not unhappy because the U.S. is not here. This kind of conference is a new multilateralism.”

Numerous countries, including Canada, Australia, and Norway, are involved, aiming to identify practical solutions for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of global emissions.

Colombia plans to utilize outcomes from this conference in its roadmap for a sustainable future in anticipation of light regulation at COP31 in Turkey later this year.

Prof. Johan Rockström warned that “we are inevitably going to crash through the 1.5C limit within the next three to five years,” stressing the dire need for immediate action to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.

This conference represents a potential shift away from traditional COP frameworks, as notable global powers such as the U.S., China, and India remain absent, raising questions about the future of international climate collaborations.
Sources: DW.com
Over 50 countries convened in Colombia from April 24-29, 2023, seeking solutions to phase out fossil fuels amid dissatisfaction with previous COP negotiations. This unprecedented gathering aims to create actionable plans for reducing global reliance on fossil fuels, which are currently subsidized by approximately $920 billion annually.
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The Headline

Key countries strategize to phase out fossil fuels

Key Facts
  • Representatives from more than 50 countries are meeting in Colombia to develop a plan for transitioning away from fossil fuels.DW.com
  • The conference, taking place from April 24 to 29, was created amid frustration at last year’s COP negotiations.DW.com
  • Major fossil fuel producing nations including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway are also part of the conference.DW.com
  • The gathering in Colombia marks a breakaway effort to accelerate climate action after years of slow progress under the United Nations.1
  • A group of about 60 countries is meeting on the Colombian coast to devise a strategy for phasing out fossil fuels.1
  • Many of the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, including China, India, the US, Russia, Iran, and Japan, are notably absent from the talks.The Guardian
  • The conference was announced last year at the UN COP30 climate summit in Brazil, where the outcome contained a mere nod to phasing out fossil fuels.The Guardian
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Other Updates

Additional updates on climate conference

Key Facts
  • The urgency for fossil fuel transition is heightened by the global energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Iran.1
  • Some leaders of the Brazilian COP will be present in Santa Marta, and their conclusions will contribute to Brazil's fossil fuel phaseout roadmap.BBC
  • We are committed to supporting transitions to clean and secure energy, said the UK Climate Envoy Rachel Kyte at the gathering.BBC
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Background Context

Context on fossil fuel conference

Key Facts
  • Fossil fuels are subsidized annually to the tune of around $920 billion (£782 billion).DW.com
  • Colombia's energy mix is transitioning but faces challenges like declining domestic gas production and policy shifts.1
  • The conference has a goal of identifying concrete measures countries can take to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.1
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