Santa Marta, Colombia – The landmark Santa Marta conference for the transition away from fossil fuels represents an important milestone on the road to long-term climate and energy stability.
The coalition of countries emerging from the conference now need to spearhead ambitious national action at home and help drive momentum and concrete progress in the UNFCCC and beyond. A second conference will be jointly held by Tuvalu and Ireland in April 2027.
Among the key outcomes in Santa Marta, Greenpeace has also welcomed the establishment of a scientific panel, Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition, which will provide scientific input to policymakers to enable the clean energy transition.
Shiva Gounden, Greenpeace Head of Delegation in Santa Marta and Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “Santa Marta was a breath of fresh air, a real sign that the wind is finally shifting. But a signal isn’t a solution and the transition is still moving far too slowly for my people in the Pacific and all climate vulnerable communities. We’ve taken a much-needed first step, but now comes the hard work to actually break the hold fossil fuels have on our global security and keep the world within 1.5°C.”
“When we get to Tuvalu, the conversation has to change. We can’t just bring more ambition; we have to bring proof of implementation. Santa Marta gave us the momentum, but Tuvalu must be where we turn that momentum into a reality that keeps our homes and our people above water and our future safe.”
To coincide with the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Greenpeace International has produced a policy briefing outlining the core elements of a just transition away from fossil fuels and the urgent, priority actions needed from national governments and through global co-operation to make it a reality.[1]
Laura Caicedo, Campaigns Coordinator, Greenpeace Colombia said: “This conference was an important space to put the just energy transition on the agenda ahead of the Climate COP. There is willingness and a sense of fresh momentum that is worth celebrating, but this is only the beginning: more time is needed for this process to mature into a true platform for dialogue that can inform decision-making in this and other cooperation spaces on key energy issues. However, it cannot become an excuse to delay the fulfillment of national commitments already made on emissions reductions, ecosystem protection, and the inclusion of people.”
Anna Cárcamo, Climate Politics Specialist at Greenpeace Brazil said: “The Santa Marta conference was an important moment to listen to countries, subnational governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, people of African Descent, other important representative groups and the voices from the streets calling for a transition away from fossil fuels and presenting solutions.”
“Now we need to see this movement extend to action, while ensuring that the transition is fair, fast and funded and built on foundations of justice. Countries need to develop and implement their national roadmaps, with developed countries moving faster and providing quality finance to developing countries to implement their transitions, in a manner that does not deepen their debt.”
Rodrigo Estrada, Senior Climate Advisor, Greenpeace International said: “Amid a tense geopolitical context and worsening climate extremes, Santa Marta helped spark a feeling of renewed energy, but delegates must now follow through to deliver action, not just words. While households struggle with rising costs as the US-Israel war on Iran drives oil and gas profits higher, 57 nations in Santa Marta have also been looking for ways to finance a just transition. That solution starts with permanently taxing the profits, not just windfalls, of fossil fuel majors and replacing this system with renewable energy.”
ENDS
Photos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.
Notes:
[1] A Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: Policy Briefing
Contact:
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]
