Santa Marta, Colombia – A major international gathering in Colombia has intensified pressure on Australia to take a leading role in the global transition away from fossil fuels, with civil society groups calling for concrete commitments, a national phase-out roadmap, and stronger international cooperation ahead of upcoming UN climate talks.

The First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, has brought together representatives from more than 50 countries and over 2,600 organisations and community groups. The meeting is being framed as a pivotal moment to move beyond broad climate pledges and towards detailed, coordinated plans to phase out fossil fuels in line with global climate goals.

Participants say the urgency of the transition has been underscored by recent geopolitical tensions and energy price shocks, which have exposed the risks of continued dependence on fossil fuels for economies and communities worldwide.

“The fossil-fuel driven energy crisis has laid bare the risks of fossil fuel dependence to peace, security and prosperity,” the conference briefing notes, highlighting the need for an orderly and equitable transition that prioritises vulnerable populations.

Australia under scrutiny

Australia has emerged as a central focus of the conference discussions, reflecting its dual role as both a major fossil fuel exporter and a growing renewable energy player. As the incoming President of Negotiations for COP31, the country is widely seen as having a unique responsibility to help shape global climate action.

Civil society groups at the conference argue that Australia must translate its international commitments into concrete policy action, both domestically and globally.

They are urging the government to actively support the development of a global roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels—complete with clear targets, timelines, and accountability mechanisms—while also committing to its own national phase-out strategy.

“Australia should demonstrate leadership by actively driving high-ambition international cooperation on a managed global phase-out,” the briefing states, calling for visible and constructive engagement in the Santa Marta discussions.

Calls for a national phase-out roadmap

At the heart of the demands is a call for Australia to develop a comprehensive national roadmap to phase out fossil fuel production and consumption, covering both domestic use and exports.

Such a roadmap, experts say, would provide clarity for investors, industries and communities, outlining timelines for reducing fossil fuel use while supporting a just transition for workers and affected regions.

The proposed framework includes halting new coal and gas project approvals, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and aligning national policies with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement.

Critics point out that Australia continues to approve new fossil fuel developments despite positioning itself as a climate leader. According to the briefing, the government has approved dozens of new coal and gas projects in recent years, raising concerns about the credibility of its climate commitments.

Building a global transition framework

The Santa Marta conference is also being used as a platform to advance broader international cooperation on fossil fuel phase-out. Delegates are pushing for a coordinated global framework—sometimes referred to as a “Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” (TAFF) roadmap—that would complement existing climate agreements.

Such a framework would aim to align national policies with global climate targets, while addressing equity concerns and ensuring support for developing countries.

The initiative is linked to ongoing efforts under the Paris Agreement and recent momentum from COP28 and preparations for COP30, where Brazil is expected to play a key role in shaping a global roadmap.

Participants say national policies alone are insufficient to manage the decline of fossil fuel production, particularly given the global nature of energy markets.

“The managed decline of fossil fuel production needs new global governance structures,” the briefing notes, emphasising the importance of transparency, inclusivity and international law in guiding the transition.

Regional implications and Pacific leadership

The conference has also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, where Australia’s energy exports play a significant role.

Delegates are urging Australia to shift from fossil fuel exports towards renewable energy partnerships, working with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Pacific island nations to support a coordinated transition.

Pacific countries, many of which are already experiencing severe climate impacts, have been vocal in calling for stronger global action. They have advocated for initiatives such as a Fossil Fuel Treaty and have emphasised the need for transitions that are grounded in justice, human rights and Indigenous knowledge.

“A number of Pacific countries have declared a state of emergency due to the impact of the energy crisis caused by fossil-fuel dependence,” the briefing highlights, underscoring the urgency of action.

Financial commitments and equity concerns

A key theme emerging from the conference is the need for significantly increased financial support to enable a just transition, particularly in developing countries.

Participants are calling on wealthy nations, including Australia, to scale up climate finance contributions and shift away from fossil fuel subsidies towards funding for clean energy, adaptation, and loss and damage.

The proposed measures include multi-year funding commitments aligned with global climate finance goals, as well as policies to ensure that fossil fuel companies contribute to the costs of climate impacts.

“The case for a rapid, just transition to clean energy… has never been clearer,” the document states, pointing to the economic and social risks of delaying action.

Tackling legal and policy barriers

The conference is also addressing structural barriers to climate action, including investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms in trade agreements, which can allow corporations to challenge government policies that affect their profits.

Advocates argue that such mechanisms can undermine efforts to phase out fossil fuels, and are calling for coordinated international action to reform or withdraw from these arrangements.

Australia, which has previously expressed concerns about ISDS provisions, is seen as well-positioned to lead discussions on this issue.

A decisive moment ahead of COP31

The Santa Marta conference comes at a critical juncture in global climate diplomacy, with countries preparing for COP30 in Brazil and COP31, where Australia will play a central role.

Observers say the outcomes of the conference could shape the direction of future negotiations, particularly efforts to establish a global roadmap for fossil fuel phase-out.

“The Santa Marta Conference presents a critical opportunity to build high-ambition, cooperative action among countries willing to lead,” the briefing concludes.

A turning point for global energy policy

As the world grapples with climate risks, geopolitical instability and energy insecurity, the Santa Marta conference is being seen as a potential turning point in the global energy transition.

For Australia, the message from civil society is clear: leadership will require not just rhetoric, but concrete policies and international engagement that align with the urgency of the climate crisis.

Whether these calls translate into action may become clearer in the lead-up to COP31—but for now, Santa Marta has set the stage for a more explicit and coordinated push to bring the fossil fuel era to an end.