Colombia, under the leadership of leftist President Gustavo Petro, had become a leading advocate for global transition away from fossil fuels, committing to halt new fossil fuel projects and promoting renewable energy. In April 2026, Colombia hosted a significant international meeting in Santa Marta with the Netherlands to advance this cause, resulting in the 'Santa Marta process.' However, in June 2026, Petro's ally lost the presidential election to Abelardo de la Espriella, a hard-right populist aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump, who supports boosting oil production and expanding fracking. This shift raises questions about Colombia's future role in global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence, particularly ahead of COP31 in Turkey.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes Colombia's progressive policies under Petro, such as halting fossil fuel expansion, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for a fossil-fuel non-proliferation treaty. It highlights the significance of these actions in the context of international climate efforts, which is
