Santa Marta Summit:
A new international coalition of leading scientists has launched an advisory body aimed at accelerating the global transition away from fossil fuels, responding to mounting pressure for clearer, science-based pathways to limit global warming.
The initiative, known as the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET), brings together experts in climate science, economics and energy systems to provide governments with practical, policy-ready guidance. The panel was unveiled at a major conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, focused on strategies to shift economies away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner energy systems.
The move comes amid growing urgency following the 2025 UN climate summit, where countries were urged to move beyond broad commitments and develop detailed roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The new panel is expected to play a central role in translating scientific knowledge into actionable policies tailored to national and sector-specific needs.
A science-driven push for real-world solutions
The panel will be co-chaired by prominent global figures including Vera Songwe, Ottmar Edenhofer, and Gilberto M. Jannuzzi. Together, they aim to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking at a time when climate action is widely seen as lagging behind scientific recommendations.
The effort has been convened by Johan Rockström and Carlos Nobre, with backing from governments and institutions including the Colombian environment ministry and the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy.
According to the organisers, the panel will provide rapid, authoritative analysis to help countries design credible fossil fuel phase-out strategies. Its work will include identifying key milestones for reducing fossil fuel use in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.
From targets to tangible roadmaps
One of the central messages emerging from the Santa Marta conference is the need to move beyond headline climate targets toward detailed, implementable plans.
A draft roadmap presented at the event, focusing on Colombia, illustrates what such a transition could look like. Developed by a team including Piers Forster, the plan outlines how sustained investment in clean energy—estimated at around $10.6 billion annually—could deliver significant economic returns, potentially reaching $23 billion per year by 2050.
Experts say such national-level examples are critical for demonstrating that climate action can align with economic growth and social benefits.
“There is a clear need to translate scientific insights into credible policy frameworks,” Forster said at the event, emphasizing that well-designed transitions can deliver both environmental and economic gains.
Growing urgency amid climate risks
The launch of the panel comes at a time of increasing concern over global emissions, energy security, and climate impacts. Scientists warn that emissions have yet to peak globally, while climate variability—including the potential return of El Niño conditions—could intensify extreme weather events.
Rockström stressed that accessible, policy-relevant science is essential to guide decision-making. Without it, governments risk falling short of their climate commitments or implementing ineffective strategies.
The panel aims to address this by synthesizing existing research, identifying best practices, and developing new insights into policy design, financing mechanisms and technological solutions. It will also explore governance models that can support a “just transition,” ensuring that workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels are not left behind.
Broad international engagement
The Santa Marta conference itself underscores the scale of global engagement on the issue. Around 500 scientists participated in the academic segment, followed by high-level discussions involving representatives from more than 50 countries.
Participants focused on practical strategies to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, including policy coordination, financing tools, and international collaboration.
Supporters of the new panel say it could play a key role in strengthening future climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly as countries prepare updated national climate plans.
Looking ahead
The creation of the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition reflects a broader shift in climate governance—from setting goals to implementing solutions. By offering tailored, science-based guidance, the panel aims to help countries navigate the complex trade-offs involved in transforming their energy systems.
While the challenge remains immense, organisers argue that the combination of scientific expertise, political momentum and real-world case studies offers a pathway forward.
As global debates intensify over energy security, economic development and climate responsibility, the panel’s work is likely to become an important reference point for policymakers seeking to balance these competing priorities.
