Colombia hosts a critical summit in Santa Marta to address the global energy crisis and accelerate fossil fuel transition. Over 50 nations, including oil producers and major consumers, gather to break the deadlock from stalled UN climate negotiations. The event follows failed attempts at COP30 in Brazil, where a proposed roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels was dropped due to lack of consensus.

Brazil’s presidency plans to present a framework at COP31 in November, aiming to create a global phase-out plan. Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro has pushed for fracking bans and halted new oil exploration, yet domestic contradictions persist, such as expanded storage for refined fuels and revived coal demand due to a gas shortage exacerbated by the Iran war. The meeting excludes major emitters like China, the U.S., and India, as well as key oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Despite challenges, organizers view the summit as a necessary step toward practical solutions for energy security and climate goals.