Why the transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action

The global transition away from fossil fuels hinges significantly on the role of cities and collective action, as highlighted at the Santa Marta conference where C40 member cities committed to halving their fossil fuel use by 2030. While the science on the necessity of moving beyond fossil fuels is clear, the challenge lies in transforming entrenched economic and political systems that are deeply reliant on fossil fuel extraction and consumption. This transition demands not only technological shifts but also structural changes in how economies are organized and governed, particularly at the intersection of national leadership and urban governance. Energy systems currently account for over three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet fossil fuel expansion persists due to financial and institutional incentives favoring short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This dynamic has contributed to energy market volatility, rising costs, fiscal pressures, and increased inequality, exposing the vulnerabilities of economies dependent on fossil fuels. Colombia, represented by its Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Irene Vélez Torres, emphasizes that the transition is not only an environmental imperative but also a justice issue. The country faces the immediate challenge of reducing economic dependence on fossil fuels, which constitute a major share of its exports and public revenues, while ensuring that new economic models do not replicate extractive practices. Cities play a critical role beyond policy implementation; they are pivotal in reshaping energy demand, fostering innovation, and demonstrating viable alternatives to fossil fuel dependence. Urban areas, responsible for the majority of global energy use and emissions, are uniquely positioned to deliver visible benefits such as cleaner public transport, improved air quality, enhanced energy efficiency in buildings, and the expansion of decentralized renewable energy systems. Through the C40 network, cities worldwide are already making progress in reducing emissions and bolstering economic resilience, proving that equitable and sustainable urban transitions are achievable and essential for meeting global climate goals.