57 Nations Launch Historic Fossil Fuel Phaseout Plan

A groundbreaking coalition of 57 nations gathered in Colombia this April with one shared goal: creating real pathways to phase out fossil fuels.

The Santa Marta Coalition, as it's now called, brought together mostly Global South countries ready to turn climate promises into action. They met in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 24 to 29, 2026, for their first summit on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels.

The conference delivered tangible wins. Countries established a dedicated scientific panel featuring leading experts like Carlos Nobre from Brazil and Johan Rockström from Sweden, who pioneered the planetary boundaries concept. These scientists will guide nations in developing their own transition roadmaps.

The coalition also created specific workstreams to help countries connect their phaseout plans to existing UN climate commitments. These include reforming financial systems to support the transition and updating trade policies to reflect new energy realities.

Two nations didn't wait to get started. Colombia and France unveiled their complete fossil fuel phaseout roadmaps right at the conference, proving that detailed plans are possible now, not someday.

Mamphela Ramphele, a medical doctor and activist with the Planetary Guardians, sees this coalition as the most immediate path forward while the world works toward a legally binding agreement like the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Currently, 18 nations are already developing that treaty, and 17 countries are actively removing fossil fuel subsidies.

The Ripple Effect

The coalition's strategy relies on positive momentum creating pressure. As early adopters implement their roadmaps and share success stories, holdout nations will face increasing pressure to join.

Ramphele compares it to the global tobacco reduction campaign, which took time but eventually succeeded despite powerful opposition. The Santa Marta Coalition plans to maintain visibility at future UN climate conferences, keeping fossil fuel phaseout front and center.

She emphasizes that young people hold the key to keeping governments accountable. They outnumber older generations and must demand answers: Why hasn't their government signed up? How are they implementing commitments?

The next conference will be held in Tuvalu, jointly hosted by the Pacific island nation and Ireland, ensuring island voices threatened by climate change stay central to the conversation.

This coalition represents something different from endless climate negotiations: countries taking action together right now.