COP31 Presidency Open to Incorporating Santa Marta Outcomes in Climate Talks

Colombia and the Netherlands are exploring ways to integrate the outcomes of the Santa Marta conference into the COP31 climate summit. On the sidelines of London Climate Action Week, Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres and Dutch Climate Policy Minister Stientje van Veldhoven indicated that COP31 presidencies Australia and Türkiye are receptive to suggestions regarding the discussions on transitioning from fossil fuels.

Discussions on Fossil Fuel Transition

The ministers emphasized the need for a clear plan to phase out coal, oil, and gas during the upcoming summit in Antalya, scheduled for November. “We had this very interesting conversation with COP31, and they were clearly open for suggestions about what is needed in the discussion in Türkiye,” said Vélez Torres.

Van Veldhoven added that the outcomes from Santa Marta could significantly influence COP31’s action agenda. “We are here to facilitate action on transitioning away from fossil fuels, so there is a very logical connection to the COP process,” she stated.

Challenges in UN Climate Negotiations

While there is optimism surrounding the integration of Santa Marta discussions into UN climate talks, it is not without controversy. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has insisted on reducing fossil fuel dependencies, highlighting the security of renewable-based economies. However, nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia have previously opposed clear pathways for fossil fuel transition.

Critics, including Antwi-Boasiako Amoah from Ghana, argue that “minilateral initiatives” distract from the legitimacy of multilateral negotiations. The Santa Marta conference aimed to create a diplomatic process that allows countries to develop voluntary national roadmaps away from fossil fuels.

Future Steps and the Role of Santa Marta

The Santa Marta coalition of approximately 60 countries is committed to influencing formal UN negotiations. Colombia proposed to build a strong coalition to bring these discussions to the second Global Stocktake at COP33 in 2028. They aim to ensure that the outcomes of the Santa Marta conference strengthen the COP process rather than exist as a parallel initiative.

• Integrating Santa Marta outcomes into COP31
• Addressing the fossil fuel transition
• Building coalitions for climate action

Brazil’s global roadmap is also expected to be part of the discussions. The Santa Marta report indicates a need for a comprehensive response, including Brazil's proposals, to the second Global Stocktake.