In the shadow of the energy crisis resulting from the war in Iran, approximately 60 countries that want to phase out fossil fuels met in Colombia.
It was a historically important meeting, but it is a bit disappointing that it did not go further politically, said EU parliamentarian Emma Wiesner (C), who was present, to TT.
In the coming days, a document with conclusions and in-depth issues discussed during the meeting will be published by the host countries Colombia and the Netherlands. However, it does not contain any joint commitments, and none of the participating countries need to sign it.
Its strength is that it includes more sensitive topics. But in the next phase we have to demand more, said Wiesner.
A new meeting is planned for next year and will be hosted by Tuvalu and Ireland. The plan is for meetings to be held annually, six months after the UN climate summits, which are usually held in November.
Facts: New meeting on the sidelines of the UN
The Netherlands and Colombia hosted the first fossil fuel phase-out conference.
Nearly 60 countries, including the UK, Canada, Turkey and Australia, participated. The EU also participated. Sweden was represented by climate ambassador Mattias Frumerie and a colleague. However, major emitters such as China, the US, Russia, India and the major oil producers in the Middle East were not present.
The main meeting was held in the port city of Santa Marta in Colombia on April 28–29.
