Gustavo Petro reveló a qué se dedicará los últimos 15 días antes de abandonar el poder: “Sábados y domingos también”

Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s outgoing president, revealed during his speech at the installation of the new Congress on July 20 that he will dedicate the final 15 days before leaving power on August 7 to addressing a critical environmental threat. Speaking directly to lawmakers, Petro emphasized that this period will focus on preparing for what he described as a “mega Niño,” a climate phenomenon with near certainty of occurring in December. He warned that the consequences could include severe droughts, food shortages, and energy crises, urging the incoming government to take action based on scientific evidence rather than political denial. Petro’s remarks came amid heightened attention to climate policy in Colombia, following years of efforts to transition the country toward renewable energy. During his address, he highlighted achievements under his administration, including increasing the share of clean energy in the national grid to 74.1 percent. This was achieved through expanded solar and hydroelectric capacity, which together accounted for more than half of the country’s total generation potential. Petro noted that these measures helped prevent blackouts despite frequent claims of energy shortages, which he attributed to misinformation and attempts to justify higher electricity tariffs. He criticized previous governments for misleading the public, claiming that rising energy costs were due to supply issues rather than systemic inefficiencies. Petro argued that the true cost of electricity should reflect the cheaper inputs, water and sunlight, rather than the more expensive gas used in traditional power plants. His reform aimed to align tariff structures with actual production costs, thereby reducing prices for consumers. According to Petro, this approach had already begun to yield results, though the looming threat of a mega Niño would require urgent preparation. The president also outlined a broader strategy for combating the effects of climate change, emphasizing the need for increased solar energy infrastructure. He pointed out that prolonged dry spells have led to water scarcity, which in turn affects agriculture and human consumption. In response, Petro called for greater investment in solar technology, arguing that it offers a sustainable solution to both energy and agricultural challenges. He stressed that while some gas imports might still be necessary, the long-term answer lay in expanding renewable resources. In addition to climate concerns, Petro mentioned plans to engage with stakeholders over the coming weeks, including a televised briefing intended to inform the public about the risks posed by the mega Niño. He expressed confidence that the incoming administration, led by President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella, would continue his work, particularly in areas such as energy policy and climate resilience. Petro also hinted at ongoing discussions with key figures, including former President Álvaro Uribe, suggesting that collaboration across political lines would be essential in tackling the nation’s environmental challenges. His comments reflected a broader shift in Colombian politics toward prioritizing science-based policymaking, especially in the face of growing climate uncertainties. While some critics argue that the government has yet to fully implement all proposed reforms, Petro’s emphasis on transparency and data-driven decision-making underscores a commitment to addressing the complex realities of climate change. As the country prepares for the transition of power, the focus on environmental preparedness signals a continued effort to safeguard Colombia’s future against the impacts of global warming.