The first Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, brought together nearly 60 countries to discuss concrete solutions for ending fossil fuel production and use. Here are ten key lessons from the landmark meeting.
1. Liberation Lifts the Spirits
The single most important outcome was a change of mood. Unlike the often frustrating UN climate summits, delegates in Santa Marta felt liberated. Tzeporah Berman, founder of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty initiative, described the atmosphere as euphoric, noting that after years of debate about whether to phase out fossil fuels, the focus was finally on how to do it. Hope, she said, is contagious.
2. Science Has to Come First
Santa Marta was a shining example of science-led decision making, with hundreds of experts informing the launch of three major energy transition initiatives. This reminded participants of earlier UN climate negotiations that began with scientific updates. In contrast, oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia have often vetoed or watered down science warnings, promoting false solutions such as offsets and carbon capture. Delegates rejected these and focused on eliminating fossil fuels.
3. Producers Must Be in the Spotlight
Climate activists have long argued that the COP process focused too much on demand, placing responsibility on consumers while allowing oil, gas, and coal companies to ramp up production. At Santa Marta, the balance shifted to the supply side. Speakers noted that most emissions come from drilling, processing, and transporting fossil fuels. Instead of condemning petrostates, the conference treated this as an unhealthy dependency and examined ways to break the addiction.
4. Global South Debt Must Be Tackled
The urgent need to address the debt crisis emerged as a clear message. Many global south countries cannot invest in renewables because they spend a huge portion of foreign exchange earnings on high-interest repayments and fossil fuel imports. Banks and bond markets provide low-interest loans to fossil fuel industries without accounting for climate risks. Participants stressed that the energy transition requires changes to the global financial architecture and redirection of subsidies from petroleum to renewables and debt reduction.
5. Not Everyone Agrees on Everything
While there were few open disagreements, differences exist on how to achieve a fossil-fuel-free society. The Colombian hosts set no guidelines on legal frameworks. One proposal is a new fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty modeled on human rights treaties, but some countries argue existing climate agreements just need implementation. The confusing number of existing pacts risks splintering nations into smaller groups instead of working harmoniously.
6. Roadmaps Need a Destination and a Deadline
The word roadmap came up repeatedly. Every country needs its own clear plan for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with two key requirements: the destination—a full phase-out—and a timetable, as global temperatures continue to break records.
7. Governments Must Be Free to Govern
Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) allows companies to sue governments in secret tribunals for policies that reduce fossil fuel dependency. Fossil fuel companies have demanded at least $100 billion in compensation. Climate activists and developing countries want an end to ISDS, which they see as a serious legal and financial obstacle to a cleaner world.
8. Critical Minerals Will Be Critical
The transition to renewables requires billions of wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries, all needing critical minerals like copper, cobalt, nickel, and harder-to-get materials. Mining has led to human rights abuses and environmental damage. Activists raised concerns about workers and Indigenous people, calling for proper regulations and a fair transition.
9. Indigenous Rights Must Be Respected
Indigenous peoples protect most of the world’s remaining carbon sinks and biodiversity but have struggled for a seat at UN climate negotiations. At Santa Marta, for the first time, Indigenous representatives drew up proposals in an autonomous space and participated in high-level segments. Leaders heard directly that Indigenous knowledge and rights must be protected. Oswaldo Muca Castizo of the Colombian Amazon Indigenous organization said, "Where our rights are respected, nature is protected."
10. Tuvalu Is the Next Step
Translating the positive vibe into concrete proposals will be the task of the next conference, expected in Tuvalu, co-hosted by Ireland, in early 2027.
