Ministers from about 60 countries are gathering this week in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first global summit aimed at phasing out fossil fuels. The United States was not invited to the meeting. The event takes place amid a worldwide energy crisis, intensified by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets and led to shortages, price hikes, and restrictions in several countries.
Instability in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas pass, has forced many nations to reconsider their dependence on imported fossil fuels. Some are increasing investment in renewable energy, while others are turning back to domestic sources such as coal. The summit, co-led by Colombia and the Netherlands, seeks to form an alliance of countries committed to ending fossil fuel use. Participants include Turkey, Australia, the European Union, several Latin American nations, and Pacific island states, as well as major producers like Canada, Nigeria, Norway, and Brazil.
China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states are not participating in the conference.