As Energy, War and Climate Collide, a Conference in Colombia Charts a Path Beyond Fossil Fuels – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Santa Marta, Colombia – Representatives from 57 countries convened last week in this Caribbean port city for the world’s first Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the event drew ministers, experts, and activists who openly linked oil, gas, and coal dependence to armed conflicts, economic shocks, and accelerating climate impacts.[1][2] Participants represented roughly one-third of global economic activity and sought practical pathways to renewable energy systems built for resilience rather than scarcity.
Shattering Long-Held Silences
The gathering marked a departure from traditional climate forums, where fossil fuel producers had blocked direct discussions on phase-outs. Delegates broke a persistent taboo by addressing how fossil fuels drive not only emissions but also geopolitical tensions and human displacement. This shift came amid recent energy disruptions from conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fighting in Gaza, and a U.S.-Israeli military action in Iran.[1]
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s minister for climate change adaptation, highlighted the rare alignment. “It’s very heartening to have the Global North and the Global South in the same room, countries willing to talk about transitioning away from fossil fuels,” he said.[1] Sessions emphasized lived experiences over abstract data, with speakers from vulnerable nations underscoring immediate pressures on land, water, and communities.
Fossil Fuels as Conflict Catalysts
Discussions repeatedly tied energy reliance to warfare. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, fueled by fossil fuel revenues, have spiked emissions – Russia’s invasion alone produced over 300 million tons of CO2, equivalent to Spain’s annual output.[1] Military activities account for about 5 percent of global greenhouse gases, yet remain underreported in agreements like the Paris Accord due to opposition from major powers.
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Faotu Jeng, founder of Clean Earth Gambia, pointed to untracked military emissions. “War right now is one of the largest contributors to the climate crisis,” she noted.[1] Ilwad Elman, a Somali peace leader, described overlapping crises: “You don’t debate whether something is climate or conflict or economic instability. You feel it all the same.”[1] Colombia’s environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres, urged a return to science amid these realities.[2]
Key Connections Drawn at the Summit:
- Fossil fuel revenues fund ongoing wars and proxy conflicts.
- Energy shortages from disruptions exacerbate economic instability in importing nations.
- Military operations and reconstruction emit vast greenhouse gases, hindering 1.5°C goals.
- Droughts and resource scarcity, worsened by climate change, fuel migration and tensions.
From Talk to Tangible Roadmaps
The conference produced concrete commitments rather than vague pledges. Nations agreed to craft national and regional roadmaps aligned with their UN climate plans, focusing on phasing out coal, oil, and gas. France presented a pilot: eliminate coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050, while electrifying heating and transport.[1]
Colombia outlined its draft, targeting a near-total fossil fuel exit by 2050 and projecting $280 billion in renewable-driven economic gains. Three workstreams emerged for follow-up: roadmap development with a new science panel of 50-100 experts; financial reforms to end subsidies and debt traps; and fossil-free trade policies.[2] A coordination group, including co-hosts and allies like Tuvalu and Ireland, will oversee progress.
| Country | Phase-Out Targets | Projected Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| France | Coal: 2030 Oil: 2045 Gas: 2050 |
Electrification focus |
| Colombia | Near-total by 2050 | $280B economic gains |
Toward a Second Summit
Challenges persist, including disinformation from fossil interests and financing gaps for vulnerable economies. Yet the event bypassed UNFCCC gridlock, fostering candid exchanges. Dutch climate minister Stientje van Veldhoven stressed security gains: “Price volatility and dependence on imports are structurally and unacceptably impacting our economies.”[2]
Outcomes head to COP31 via the COP30 presidency. Tuvalu will co-host the next summit in 2027 with Ireland, building momentum for equitable transitions. Mary Robinson, former Irish president, called for justice-grounded action: “All must be grounded in justice.”[1] The path ahead demands sustained coalition efforts to turn plans into policy.
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