Global Summit Charts Fossil Fuel Exit: Key Climate Developments from Santa Marta and Beyond

Santa Marta Summit: Nations Map Path Away from Fossil Fuels

From 24 to 29 April, the Colombian coastal city of Santa Marta hosted a first-of-its-kind summit where 57 countries—representing one-third of the global economy—debated practical steps to move away from coal, oil, and gas. The gathering, focused on the theme of “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, concluded with commitments to develop national “roadmaps” and adopt new tools for addressing subsidies and carbon-intensive trade. Carbon Brief provided an in-depth summary of the talks.

Innovative Format Fosters Open Dialogue

Against the backdrop of a global oil and gas crisis, ministers and envoys from around the world sat side by side in small meeting rooms, engaging in candid conversations about the barriers they face in shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, this fresh format was widely described as “refreshing” by participants, breaking away from traditional, more formal conference settings.

Science Panel Launched to Accelerate Transition

A “science pre-conference” preceded the main event, drawing 400 academics from across the globe. During this session, a new science panel was unveiled—one that aims to provide rapid analysis to nations seeking to speed up their transition away from fossil fuels. The academics also endorsed a scientific report, first covered by Carbon Brief, that advises all countries to “halt all new fossil-fuel expansion.”

Around the World: Key Climate Developments

UAE Leaves OPEC Amid Energy Crisis

On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC. According to Reuters, this decision “deals a blow to the oil producers’ group as an unprecedented energy crisis caused by the Iran war exposes discord among Gulf nations.”

IMO Talks Face Pressure over Gas Investments

Negotiations at the International Maritime Organization in London remained ongoing as of this week. The Guardian reported that “pressure on the talks appears to be linked to countries that have invested heavily in gas,” suggesting a conflict of interest in maritime climate regulation.

US Clean Energy Surges Despite Policy Hurdles

Bloomberg reported that clean-energy installations in the United States are on track to hit “another record” this year and will account for the vast majority of new power additions—even as the Trump administration pursues policies that oppose renewable energy growth.

Tropical Forest Loss Slows Thanks to Brazil

The loss of tropical forests slowed in 2025, according to data from the World Energy Institute and the University of Maryland, as covered by BBC News. The decline was “largely due to Brazil’s efforts to curb deforestation in the Amazon.”

Coal Power Growth Tempered

New analysis by Carbon Brief indicates that global coal-power output is expected to increase by at most 1.8% this year. This figure tempers claims made by some that the energy crisis could trigger a “return to coal,” highlighting that the surge in coal use remains modest.

Looking Ahead

The Santa Marta summit marks a significant step in international cooperation on fossil fuel phase-down, while developments from OPEC to the IMO and tropical forests show a complex picture of progress and resistance. As nations continue to craft their roadmaps, the role of science, transparency, and equitable transition will remain central to the global climate agenda.