More Than 50 Countries Launch Coalition on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels

Officials from more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, last week for the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The meeting was co-chaired by the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands. Organizers described the event as a forum to discuss practical steps to move away from fossil fuels.

The initiative was born at least partly out of frustration with the official United Nations Conference of the Parties process, in which all UN member states attempt to work together on their climate-action policies. The Santa Marta meeting’s organizers said their gathering is intended to complement the COP process, not replace it.

A related session placed scientists at the centre of discussions on practical measures.

The coalition’s launch comes as participating governments seek to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels. @Nature reported that the new group must avoid undermining existing global scientific structures that support international climate efforts. Officials have not detailed specific policy outcomes from the inaugural conference.

Photographs from the event showed Colombia’s environment minister with her Netherlands counterpart. The gathering occurred ahead of future COP meetings where broader UN member states will continue negotiations on climate policy. No immediate decisions on binding commitments were announced.