First ever talks to ditch fossil fuels as UN deadlock deepens

Organisers say the conference will not replace COP but will play a key role in reviving the process. They note that main conclusions agreed at Santa Marta will become part of Brazil's roadmap away from fossil fuels, which Brazil plans to publish before COP31 in Turkey in November.

Participants cite rising demand for electric vehicles in Europe and the pursuit of energy independence as motivations to move away from a volatile oil and gas market. Quotes from UK Climate Envoy Rachel Kyte and former Irish President Mary Robinson emphasize urgency and shared transition experience.

Scientific findings suggest warming beyond 1.5C increases the likelihood of damaging and harder-to-reverse impacts. Conflicts in the Middle East, including events in the Straits of Hormuz, have pushed up oil prices, reinforcing energy security concerns as a factor in the transition away from fossil fuels.

Delegates say the Santa Marta meeting is not an alternative to COP but is intended to complement it, with attendees hoping to show a growing coalition in favor of renewables.

A large group of countries, including some major oil producers, is meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia to plan a move away from fossil fuels. Around 60 nations are participating, accounting for roughly a fifth of global fossil fuel supply, and attendees include Colombia, Australia and Nigeria, while major powers such as the US, China and India are not part of the talks. Delegates say the gathering is intended to complement, not replace, the UN COP process.

At COP30 in Brazil last November, efforts to agree a roadmap away from fossil fuels failed as major oil-producing nations wouldn't agree to the plan.