Amid fuel crisis, a bold move to leave oil and gas behind

Over 50 nations are gathering in Colombia for a groundbreaking summit aimed at creating a tangible strategy to reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Can this initiative overcome the shortcomings that plagued previous UN climate conferences?

A Global Summit in Santa Marta

Cristian Retamal, a former Chilean representative at UN climate summits, envisions the Colombian conference sparking a new international coalition focused on fossil fuel transition. Retamal is currently in Santa Marta, Colombia’s northern coastal city, where over 50 delegates are convening for the inaugural meeting dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels. They seek to develop a feasible, fair framework to diminish dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas, while outlining necessary legal, economic, and social policies for this shift.

“In the ’90s, climate action gained traction at the UN due to a small group of nations driving the agenda and compelling the organization to respond,” Retamal told DW.

The conference, scheduled from April 24 to 29, emerged from the frustration following last year’s UN climate summit. Despite backing from over 80 nations, the talks faltered due to opposition from oil-rich countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia, which blocked a binding fossil fuel phaseout mandate.

Colombian Environment Minister Irene Velez Torres, co-hosting with the Netherlands, emphasized that the attendees extend beyond climate-vulnerable nations, such as Pacific Island developing states. Notable oil and gas producers, including Canada, Australia, the UK, and Norway, are participating, alongside Germany, France, and several EU nations, with the European Commission in attendance.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Their Impact

Annual fossil fuel subsidies amount to approximately $920 billion (€782 billion), giving oil, gas, and coal a misleading competitive advantage. The burning of fossil fuels remains a primary driver of global warming, intensifying prolonged heatwaves, severe droughts, intensified storms, and widespread flooding. These effects are escalating in intensity and financial impact, posing significant challenges to communities and economic systems.

Renewables have experienced rapid expansion in recent years, driven by solar energy, particularly in China and India. Ember’s latest report indicates that clean energy sources surpassed global electricity demand in 2025, with renewables—solar, wind, hydropower, and others—accounting for over a third of the world’s electricity supply for the first time last year.

“It is implementation time, not just debate on aspirations. We will initiate practical efforts with like-minded nations to define a fossil fuel exit strategy, focusing on reducing both supply and demand,” a spokesperson for Dutch Climate and Green Growth Minister Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer stated to DW.

The recent Iran conflict has driven up oil and gas prices, creating supply disruptions that underscore the fragility of economies dependent on fossil fuels or their export revenues. One key component of this shift involves a proposal to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.

“Transitioning away from fossil fuels reduces exposure to both external dependencies and toxic pollution, enables more stable development, and strengthens self-determination and democracy,” said Lili Fuhr, director of the Fossil Economy Program at the Center for International Envir.

Despite the absence of the largest emitters, such as the U.S