In November 2025, a group of countries — including Australia — signed the Belém Declaration on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels at the COP30 climate summit. Here’s what it means, what’s happening in Colombia, and why it matters for climate action, global fuel security and energy independence.
What is the Belém Declaration – and why does it matter for phasing out fossil fuels?
A new global push to transition away from fossil fuels is gaining momentum – and it’s about to take a major step forward.
From April 24-29th 2026, leaders and experts from more than 50 countries, including Australia, are gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia for the first-ever Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The meeting builds on the Belém Declaration, a growing global effort to accelerate the phase-out of coal, oil and gas.
So what is the Belém Declaration, and why should Australians care?
The Belém Declaration on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels is an international initiative aimed at coordinating a global shift away from fossil fuels – the main driver of climate change. Australia signed up to this Declaration in November 2025.
It focuses on three key pillars:
- Phasing out fossil fuel production in line with climate science
- Scaling up clean energy like wind, solar and storage technologies
- Supporting a fair transition for workers and communities
The declaration is part of a broader movement – complementary to UN climate talks, but not a replacement for them – to close a major gap in global climate action: while countries have agreed to cut emissions, there has been far less coordination on actually winding down fossil fuel production and economic dependence.
What’s happening in Santa Marta?
The Santa Marta conference marks the first major global gathering dedicated to turning these ideas into action. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, key aims include:
- Aligning countries and institutions on timelines to phase out fossil fuels
- Sharing practical strategies for transitioning economies
- Building political momentum ahead of future climate negotiations
This is significant because, until now, global climate talks have largely focused on climate pollution reduction targets – not on addressing the root cause of the problem: fossil fuel extraction and use.
Why is this important for climate change?
Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – are by far the largest contributor to climate change and are responsible for around three-quarters of global climate pollution.
To keep global warming to safer levels, scientists are clear:
- No new coal, oil or gas projects can be developed
- Existing fossil fuel use must decline rapidly this decade
Efforts like the Belém Declaration help shift the conversation from reducing emissions to phasing out the fossil fuels causing them – a critical step in tackling the climate crisis at its source.
Why it matters for Australia
Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas – and remains heavily exposed to fossil fuel volatility.
Right now, Australians are feeling the consequences of this:
- Global fossil fuel price shocks have driven up energy bills
- Our reliance on imported fuels leaves us vulnerable to international crises
- Communities face growing risks from worsening climate impacts
The solution? Energy independence powered by renewables.
Australia has world-leading solar and wind resources. By accelerating the shift to clean energy, we can:
- Cut power bills
- Improve energy security
- Reduce climate pollution
- Create jobs in clean industries
Where does the Pacific stand?
Several Pacific island countries are signatories to the Belém Declaration and have been integral in building global momentum and support for it. This is unsurprising – Pacific island countries have helped shape global climate action for nearly 50 years, and worked tirelessly to ensure that global efforts align with what the science tells us is necessary for their countries’ survival.
On 15 April, Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and Vanuatu launched the landmark Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific – calling for a global phase-out, a fully funded 100% renewable energy roadmap for the region and an end to fossil fuel expansion.
The bottom line
The Belém Declaration and the Santa Marta conference signal a growing global shift: moving beyond climate promises to actually winding down fossil fuels in a managed and orderly way.
For Australia, the message is clear: Doubling down on coal and gas keeps us exposed to rising costs, global instability and escalating climate damage. Investing in renewables puts us on the path to clean, reliable, homegrown energy.
The transition away from fossil fuels isn’t just about reducing our exposure to climate harms – it’s about securing a safer, more affordable energy future.
Australia has already signed on. The question now is whether our policies catch up with our words.
