Australia's Role in Fossil Fuel Transition
In Santa Marta, Colombia, the world’s first conference dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels begins today, drawing representatives from over 50 nations, including Australia. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the event runs from April 24 to 29, 2026.
One primary goal of the conference is to quicken the pace of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Discussions will focus on overcoming economic dependence, transforming supply and demand, and enhancing international cooperation in climate diplomacy.
Australia, taking a prominent role as President of Negotiations at COP31, finds itself under scrutiny. Despite signing the Bele9m Declaration, which supports a fossil fuel transition roadmap, Australia has recently approved 36 new fossil fuel projects, including coal mines and a gas drilling project extending until 2080.
Pacific Nations and the Tassiriki Call
Following the adoption of the Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific earlier this month, Pacific island nations arrive with strong commitments. This landmark declaration aims to establish a binding Fossil Fuel Treaty and transition to 100% renewable energy.
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, emphasised the urgency for Pacific nations at the conference: “For Pacific leaders at Santa Marta, this is not a future risk, it is the present reality of a system built on fossil fuels.”
Santa Marta, set in a region familiar with fossil fuel extraction challenges, offers a fitting backdrop for these discussions. In addition, Tuvalu is scheduled to host a follow-up conference within a year, aiming to secure a formal mandate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
Currently, global oil markets are disrupted by the Iran War, which exacerbates challenges for Pacific nations. As a result, countries like Fiji have raised petrol prices by 20% and diesel by 35%, highlighting the urgent need for a shift away from fossil fuel dependency.
The conference features thematic pillars that focus on practical solutions. Participating countries and stakeholders are already committed to implementing these changes, emphasizing action over persuasion.
Experts such as Alex Rafalowicz, based in Bogotá, are on the ground in Santa Marta. Rafalowicz is uniquely positioned to discuss the differences in approach between Australia and Colombia regarding the fossil fuel transition.
Pacific nations, who recently gathered in Port Vila, Vanuatu, are determined to push a unified diplomatic strategy. The Tassiriki Call represents a commitment to advance a binding Fossil Fuel Treaty, underscoring the region’s leadership in climate diplomacy.
Meanwhile, pre-COP31 meetings are set to occur in Fiji and Tuvalu, highlighting the Pacific’s active role in shaping future climate negotiations. These efforts aim to build momentum towards the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Last updated: 25 April 2026, 9:35 am
