Story perspectives

60 Nations Convene in Colombia, US/China Absent, 12% Emissions Cut

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Around 60 governments, including Brazil, Germany, Canada and Nigeria, met in Santa Marta, Colombia to plan fossil-fuel phase-out steps.
The United States and China, the world’s largest fossil-fuel consumers, are absent from the conference.
Colombia’s environment minister Irene Vélez Torres said the gathering must turn ambition into action.
Scientists warned that pledges would cut emissions by only 12 % by 2035, far short of the cuts needed for 1.5 °C.

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Story summary

Around 60 governments, including Brazil, Germany, Canada and Nigeria, met in Santa Marta, Colombia to plan fossil-fuel phase-out steps.
The United States and China, the world’s largest fossil-fuel consumers, are absent from the conference.
Colombia’s environment minister Irene Vélez Torres said the gathering must turn ambition into action.
Scientists warned that pledges would cut emissions by only 12 % by 2035, far short of the cuts needed for 1.5 °C.