SANTA MARTA, Colombia (AP) — First international conference of its kind Moving away from fossil fuels On Wednesday, the conference in Colombia concluded with a clear message. The global debate has shifted from whether to phase out oil, gas and coal to how to do it. Funding is progressing as one of the biggest obstacles.
Officials, climate change advocates and financial experts from 56 countries gathered in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta for days of talks aimed at tackling one of the most politically sensitive issues in climate policy: the transition away from fossil fuel production, the main cause of global warming.
Although the meeting produced no binding commitments, participants said it produced a series of initial results, including plans for continued cooperation between countries, the creation of working groups on issues such as financing and workforce transition, and momentum for future negotiations aimed at coordinating the global phase-out of fossil fuels.
Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland and now a prominent advocate of climate justice, said the discussions in Santa Marta were markedly different from traditional UN climate talks, with a more open and collaborative atmosphere among participants.
“COPs are more formal and negotiators have a line and they don’t cross it, but it’s very different here,” she said, adding that participants “felt more human being together.”
Mr Robinson said one of the central challenges discussed was the financial constraints facing developing countries, many of which lack the resources to transition away from fossil fuels.
“Many countries need debt relief to even begin the transition,” she said, warning that these countries were “debt-trapped” and overly reliant on fossil fuels with few viable alternatives.
From pledges to practical questions
Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres (left) embraces Dutch Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth Stientje van Veldhoven at the end of a conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres (left) embraces Dutch Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth Stientje van Veldhoven at the end of a conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
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In U.N. climate talks, countries have traditionally focused on reducing emissions, or how much pollution each country causes, rather than directly addressing fossil fuel production.
Participants said the Santa Marta conference marked a shift toward tackling the fundamental drivers of climate change, including how to reduce fossil fuel supplies while managing the economic and social impacts.
“This conference is actually the first time in 30 years of climate change negotiations that countries have come together to figure out how to ensure that fossil fuels are phased out,” said Tsepola Berman, founder and chair of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Fossil Fuels Initiative.
Discussions included coordination between producers and consumers, workforce transitions, and the broader economic implications of moving away from fossil fuels.
Funding seen as the biggest hurdle
Financing consistently emerges as the most pressing and difficult barrier to transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Countries in the Global South face high borrowing costs and limited access to capital, even as renewable energy has become cheaper than fossil fuels.
“Funding is key, this is an investment issue,” said Nick Robbins, senior director of finance and private sector at the World Resources Institute.
“What we’re hearing is that they want to stop expanding fossil fuel production, but they’re being forced into new oil, gas and coal projects just to cover debt,” Berman said.
Participants also noted that domestic fiscal constraints and the global financial system play a role in slowing the transition.
To CEO Anna Toni Brazil COP30one of the important things discussed was the issue of fiscal debate.
“We need the support of finance ministers to find solutions on how to deal with the financial challenges of the transition period,” he said.
Robbins added that the macroeconomic response to the crisis could unintentionally slow progress.
“Traditional responses to inflation may actually be holding back the clean energy revolution,” he said.
New coalitions and broader participation
Participants said the gathering was the beginning of a new kind of alliance that brings together major economies and some countries. Countries most vulnerable to climate change in the world.
“For the first time, we can bring these groups together as a shared community with a common goal,” Robbins says.
The conference brought together a wide range of participants across national governments, including indigenous groups, civil society, young people and local authorities.
The United States, like many other countries, was not invited to the conference, which organizers described as a space for countries aligned around a move away from fossil fuels. However, California officials attended separately.
Participants listen to closing speeches at a conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
Participants listen to closing speeches at a conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
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“It’s really great to see so many different stakeholders involved here,” said Sarah Izant, deputy commissioner for climate policy at the California Department of Environmental Protection.
He said clear policy signals will be important to attract investment.
“The importance of ensuring policy and regulatory certainty will help unlock private capital,” Izanto said.
Vance Calvert, senior policy adviser at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, said in a statement at the end of the conference that it signals a growing momentum for efforts beyond broader climate change efforts.
“Santa Marta has brought something of value: a real demonstration that climate action remains a priority and a real desire for concrete solutions,” he said, adding that the process could help “give a more coherent and stronger basis to the transition away from fossil fuels.”
Transition requires recognition of the role of indigenous communities
Patricia Suárez, an adviser to the National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of Colombia and the Amazon, said it was too early to assess the outcome of the conference, as questions remained about whether indigenous peoples’ proposals would be reflected in the final document.
She also expressed concerns about participation in newly announced initiatives, including scientific advisory committees, and whether indigenous knowledge systems will be meaningfully incorporated.
“How do Indigenous people participate in that space?” she said.
Suarez said any transition must recognize the role of indigenous communities in protecting ecosystems and combating climate change.
“It is the people of our territories who sustain life,” she said, adding that a just transition must bring “justice to these regions facing the worst effects of the climate crisis.”
For the next conference
An oil ship is visible in the Caribbean Sea at sunset during a nearby conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
An oil ship is visible in the Caribbean Sea at sunset during a nearby conference aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Santa Marta, Colombia. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
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Moments later, to applause from participants, it was announced that the next conference would be held in Tuvalu, with Ireland joining as co-sponsor, underscoring the growing international support for the initiative.
Tuvalu is a low-lying island nation in the Pacific Ocean and is one of the countries most vulnerable to sea level rise, making it a global symbol of the risks posed by climate change. By contrast, Ireland is a developed European country that is positioning itself as a champion of international climate action. Participants said the pairing reflected efforts to bridge the perspectives of climate-vulnerable countries and wealthy economies as the process progressed.
Tuvalu’s Minister of Interior, Climate Change and Environment Maina Vakahua Talia told The Associated Press earlier Wednesday that the event would draw attention to the real-world impacts of climate change.
“If we’re going to tackle climate change, we have to address the root cause, and the root cause is the fossil fuel industry,” he said.
He added that future meetings will aim to produce more concrete results.
“We don’t just want free and flexible outcomes. We want something concrete. We want steps and solutions that are on the table.”
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