The Santa Marta Conference: A global step toward 100% renewable energy? With Stephan Singer, CAN International, and Stefan Gsänger

The world faces another fossil fuel crisis, an escalating climate
emergency, and slow progress in international climate
negotiations. In response, the governments of Colombia and the
Netherlands made history by co-hosting the First International
Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Held in Santa
Marta, Colombia, from 24-29 April 2026, the event brought
together 57 fossil fuel-producing and consuming countries,
alongside civil society, and energy experts, to develop a global
roadmap for a just and equitable phase-out of oil, gas, and coal.


Stephan Singer, a senior climate advocate with CAN International
(Climate Action Network), has been at the forefront of
international climate and energy transformation for over three
decades. In this episode, we explore:


– The significance of the Santa Marta Conference and its historic
outcomes,


– The agenda, participating countries, and the "coalition of the
willing" approach,


– The follow-up process, including plans for a second summit in
Tuvalu and Ireland.


Can this conference accelerate the global transition to 100%
renewable energy? And what does it mean that over 130 countries
were not invited?