Madrid, Spain – Greenpeace Spain activists displayed a giant image of US President Trump vomiting oil alongside a banner in Madrid that read "NO OIL, NO WAR" to demand an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels amid the current energy supply crisis.
The banner was displayed ahead of the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia on April 24-29. More than 50 governments will meet in Santa Marta to discuss how to implement the transition away from fossil fuels amid the current global energy shock sparked by the war on Iran.
Pedro Zorrilla Miras, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Spain said: "We are saying no to oil and war! Current conflicts prove that moving away from fossil fuels is an urgent necessity for security, wellbeing and the climate. Instead of war, ending our reliance on fossil fuels is our best possible defence.
"That is why governments must show leadership at the Santa Marta conference to accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels. We are calling for clear and ambitious action from Spain that matches its rhetoric and embraces pathways that show Spain can achieve a 99 percent decarbonisation rate by 2040."[1]
Fossil fuel dependence is exposing countries to volatile global markets, where conflict, disruption and political tensions rapidly translate into higher energy, food and transport prices. The Santa Marta summit is therefore a key political moment for leaders to progress the delivery of energy systems that are affordable, stable and resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.
Tracy Carty, Climate Politics Expert at Greenpeace International said: "In the midst of a fossil fuel driven energy crisis, the Santa Marta meeting offers light on the horizon. Rather than prolonging exposure to volatile and conflict-prone fossil fuels, governments must use this moment to accelerate a just transition to renewable energy that protects people from price shocks and builds long-term stability.
"The coalition of committed states coming together in Santa Marta has the potential to spark bolder national action and international cooperation. That requires the development of national roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels, including ambitious renewable energy targets, and to scale up predictable, accessible and affordable climate finance to support developing countries in delivering a just transition."[2]
Activists have been mobilising globally ahead of the conference. In Australia, Greenpeace Australia Pacific activists displayed a banner in front of Sydney's iconic Opera House, carrying the message "Oil and gas fuel war, renewables power peace". Other events are planned in coming days culminating with the arrival of government representatives in Santa Marta.
In Vanuatu last week, ministers from Pacific island states Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Vanuatu met in Port Fila and issued a new landmark declaration: The Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific. Leaders cited the energy crisis as evidence of the dangers of fossil fuel dependence.[3]
Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: "Never before has the need to end the fossil fuel chokehold been so abundantly clear, amid the current energy crisis, as our Pacific communities again suffer the consequences of a global economy hooked on coal, oil and gas.
"Urgent action to transition away from fossil fuels is fundamental to limiting warming to 1.5°C – a survival line for Pacific communities. The phase out of fossil fuels depends on determined international cooperation, particularly when it comes to unlocking the finance needed to support countries and communities with implementing solutions."
