Colombia Urges Accelerated Global Shift to Clean Energy as Geopolitical Tensions Expose Fragility of Fossil Fuel Dependence

As nearly 50 nations prepare to convene for high-level discussions on reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Colombia is positioning itself at the center of a renewed push for global energy transformation. Speaking ahead of the summit, Colombia’s environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres, argued that escalating geopolitical tensions — particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran — have exposed the fragility of global energy systems and reinforced the urgency of transitioning to renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Vélez described the current moment as a “global crisis,” emphasizing that instability in oil and gas markets should accelerate, rather than hinder, the shift toward cleaner energy. She called for a more assertive approach to climate action, suggesting that the global response must move toward what she described as a “radicalization” of the green agenda.

Her remarks come in advance of a major international summit on fossil fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, scheduled to take place from April 24 to 29 in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta. The gathering is expected to serve as a platform for countries to openly debate pathways beyond oil, gas, and coal — an issue that has historically remained contentious within formal climate negotiations.

Fossil fuels remain a central driver of climate change, as their combustion releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, intensifying extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. Yet despite decades of negotiations under frameworks like the Conference of the Parties, global consensus on phasing out these energy sources has remained elusive. Vélez acknowledged this reality, noting that the upcoming summit is intended not as a forum for binding commitments, but as a “political space” to advance dialogue and build momentum.

Colombia’s role in this conversation is particularly complex. As one of Latin America’s leading oil producers, the country relies heavily on crude exports to support public finances and social programs. At the same time, it is home to roughly 6% of the Amazon rainforest, one of the planet’s most critical ecosystems for regulating the global climate. This dual identity — as both a fossil fuel exporter and a biodiversity powerhouse — has placed Colombia in a unique and often challenging position within the global climate debate.

Under President Gustavo Petro, the country has adopted an increasingly ambitious stance, pledging to halt new oil exploration and advocating for a global phaseout of fossil fuels. The administration has also overseen a significant expansion of renewable energy, with sources such as solar and wind — excluding large hydropower — growing from approximately 1% to 16% of the national electricity mix.

The timing of the Santa Marta summit coincides with heightened geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, where tensions involving Iran have disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns over the stability of supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have driven oil prices higher and prompted some governments to reconsider short-term increases in fossil fuel production, even as they maintain long-term climate commitments.

This tension is further reflected in the divergent policy approaches of major global players. In the United States, President Donald Trump has scaled back international climate engagement while promoting expanded oil production, frequently dismissing climate change concerns and criticizing the energy transition. In contrast, Colombia’s leadership has sought to position the country at the forefront of climate diplomacy, advocating for systemic changes in how the world approaches energy production and consumption.

These differences have also surfaced in broader diplomatic relations between Colombia and the United States, where disagreements over trade, counternarcotics policy, and climate priorities have underscored a widening strategic divide.

Notably absent from the upcoming summit is Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil exporters. According to Vélez, while Colombia has engaged with Saudi officials in past climate discussions, the kingdom’s entrenched economic interests in oil have limited its willingness to support efforts aimed at phasing out fossil fuels — a stance that continues to reflect broader divisions between major energy producers and countries advocating for a faster transition.

Although the Santa Marta meeting will take place outside the formal framework of U.N. climate negotiations, its outcomes are expected to influence future discussions, including the upcoming COP31 summit in Turkey later this year. For Colombia, the event represents an opportunity to reshape the global conversation — not through binding agreements, but by redefining the political will needed to confront one of the most pressing challenges of the modern era.