ISTANBUL
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Tuesday that a global economic system reliant on fossil fuels risks pushing humanity toward conflict, authoritarianism and possible extinction, as representatives from 57 countries convened in northern Colombia for talks on transitioning to clean energy.
Addressing the gathering in the coastal city of Santa Marta, Petro argued that entrenched fossil fuel interests are obstructing efforts to shift toward sustainable energy, cautioning that the current model could endanger humanity and the planet.
“There is inertia in the power and the economy of this archaic form of energy, fossil fuels, that lead to death,” he told the gathering in the coastal city of Santa Marta, questioning whether capitalism can adapt to a system no longer dependent on the resources.
The summit, described as the first global conference focused on moving from fossil fuels, brought together ministers and senior officials for two days of negotiations, following several days of civil society meetings and academic discussions.
Petro, elected in 2022 and constitutionally barred from seeking immediate re-election, said the world faces growing instability, warning that escalating crises could pave the way for authoritarian systems.
“We are heading towards barbarism. And barbarism is the prelude to, or the very essence of, fascism,” he said.
Some participating countries have begun outlining concrete transition plans. Colombia recently released a draft roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, while France announced targets to eliminate coal from its electricity system by 2027, reduce oil reliance by 2045 and phase out fossil gas by 2050.
French climate envoy Benoit Faraco said the strategy aims to expand renewable energy alongside nuclear power, positioning the country as a major exporter of low-carbon electricity within Europe.
Discussions at the summit also highlighted financial constraints faced by developing nations. Experts and officials emphasized that rising debt burdens are limiting the ability of many countries to invest in clean energy transitions, with some forced to expand fossil fuel production to meet financial obligations.
Activists and civil society groups urged debt relief, arguing that existing financial pressures undermine efforts to achieve a fair transition. Campaigners said many nations in the Global South lack the fiscal capacity to shift from fossil fuels while servicing large and often controversial debts.
