Nations urged to 'go further' as fossil fuel exit talks wrap in Colombia
Nearly 60 nations concluded a conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, aimed at accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels amid stalled UN climate talks. While no binding commitments were made, participants highlighted progress, including the creation of an expert panel to support global energy transitions. The event emphasized growing momentum for action, with Tuvalu and Ireland set to host future meetings despite the absence of major fossil fuel producers.
- ▪The meeting in Colombia brought together nearly 60 countries seeking to advance fossil fuel phase-out efforts outside the UN climate process.
- ▪An expert panel of climate scientists was established to assist governments, especially developing nations, in transitioning from fossil fuels.
- ▪Tuvalu and Ireland will co-host next year’s conference, signaling ongoing international commitment to the initiative.
- ▪Major fossil fuel producers including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia did not attend the talks.
- ▪The Middle East conflict and resulting energy crisis underscored the risks of fossil fuel dependence, shaping much of the discussion.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Nations urged to 'go further' as fossil fuel exit talks wrap up in ColombiaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMinisters and envoys gathered in the coal port of Santa Marta in the hope of speeding the shift away from planet-heating fossil fuels and breaking a stalemate at the UN climate talks.PHOTO: AFPPublished Apr 30, 2026, 12:15 PMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 01:50 PMListenSummariseNearly 60 nations met in Colombia to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, bypassing UN climate talks that stalled on the issue."Big results" included creating an expert panel to aid global transitions. Tuvalu and Ireland will host next year, showing continued momentum.Middle East crisis highlighted fossil fuel reliance risks.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.