Colombian minister calls for transition from fossil fuels ahead of biodiversity summit
Colombian environment minister Susana Muhamad, once a Shell consultant, is now a leading advocate for transitioning away from fossil fuels as she prepares to lead the upcoming Cop16 biodiversity summit.
Patrick Greenfield reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Muhamad, who resigned from Shell over fracking concerns, advocates for a just energy transition and prioritizing biodiversity protection.
- Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, aims to phase out fossil fuels and promote biodiversity as the foundation of its economy.
- The upcoming Cop16 summit in Cali will focus on biodiversity restoration and sustainable development amid global environmental challenges.
Key quote:
“There is a double movement humanity must make. The first one is to decarbonise and have a just energy transition.”
— Susana Muhamad, Colombian environment minister
Why this matters:
A shift from fossil fuels to biodiversity-centered economies is crucial to address the climate crisis and protect ecosystems that sustain human health and food security. Muhamad’s leadership may inspire broader international efforts to achieve environmental and economic justice.
Read more: Colombia commits to prioritizing nature in upcoming global environmental talks
