Coalition to move away from fossil fuels presses ahead without Colombia, its original champion

A coalition of nations working to hasten the worldwide shift away from fossil fuels is set to unveil updated national strategies at the ongoing United Nations climate negotiations, known as COP31, in Antalya, Turkey. This development occurs despite Colombia's departure from the coalition, which initially championed the effort.

Dubbed as a $5.77 per four-week subscription, the initiative gained traction in April during a conference in Santa Marta, Colombia. It was expected to release a progress report detailing actions taken by participating countries, including plans to reduce reliance on coal, oil, and gas. The move comes as Ireland and Tuvalu will soon assume leadership of the initiative from Colombia and the Netherlands, with another global conference scheduled for July 2027.

Colombia's withdrawal follows the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, who pledged to bolster the nation's oil and gas sector and resume exploration. This decision contrasts with that of his predecessor, leftist President Gustavo Petro, who prioritized moving away from fossil fuels and ceased issuing new oil and gas exploration permits.

Colombian Environment Minister Fabio Arjona attributed the shift to the previous administration's restrictions on gas development, which caused domestic shortages and pushed some industries towards dirtier energy sources. He argued that increasing natural gas supplies, a fossil fuel, would help decrease emissions by replacing more polluting alternatives while ensuring energy security for the country.

Former Colombian environment minister Irene Velez, a prominent advocate of the coalition, noted that the initiative had gained momentum beyond the government that founded it. As governments grapple with how to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels at COP31, the coalition's future remains a topic of discussion.