In the heart of Colombia, a battle between progress and tradition rages on. The country, once a beacon of hope for environmentalists and activists, now faces a potential setback as the far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella assumes the presidency. With a narrow victory, de la Espriella's promise to fully exploit fossil fuels during his term has sent shockwaves through the nation's environmental movement.
Yuvelis Morales Blanco, a seasoned activist, has been at the forefront of the fight against oil extraction and fracking in Puerto Wilches. Her leadership was recognized with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, a testament to her unwavering dedication to protecting the environment. Yet, the future looks uncertain as the new government's stance on fossil fuels remains unclear.
Morales, a native of Santander, understands the deep connection between her community and the river. She grew up amidst the beauty and bounty of the Magdalena, Colombia's lifeblood. But the river, which sustains life and culture, has also been marred by the consequences of extraction and pollution. The area where she resides, Puerto Wilches, has suffered the brunt of these impacts, with oil extraction and refining leaving a trail of environmental degradation.
The environmental movement in Colombia, already facing the world's highest homicide rates for three consecutive years, views the new government as a setback. Despite their willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground, they are prepared to mobilize and defend their natural resources and rights. The question remains: how far will the new government go in its pursuit of fossil fuels?
The economic landscape of Colombia is also at a crossroads. While the weight of fossil fuels in the country's economy has diminished over the past four years, with non-mining, non-energy exports surpassing mining and energy exports, critics argue that a middle-income nation cannot afford to abandon oil, coal, and gas entirely. The fiscal deficit, hitting 6.4% in 2025, further complicates the situation, making the transition to renewable energy a challenging endeavor.
Andres Gomez, a petroleum engineer and coordinator for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, suggests a strategic approach to managing the decline of extractive revenues. Colombia, he argues, should focus on maintaining the benefits of its oil production while promoting the growth of other sectors, such as coffee, flowers, and fruit. The country's proven reserves are modest, and neighboring Venezuela presents a more attractive opportunity for the global energy market.
Despite the challenges, Colombia has made significant strides in renewable energy. Between 2022 and 2026, the country's renewable energy capacity grew from 200 to 3,600MW. This growth, however, may be threatened by the new government's policies. Susana Muhamad, a political scientist and former environment minister, predicts a policy of containment, where environmental rules and initiatives are designed to slow the transition to renewable energy.
The future of Colombia's environmental policies hangs in the balance. The new government, influenced by the United States and the pressure of Donald Trump, may prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy. The Cordillera Occidental, a region with immense potential for copper extraction, is a particular concern. The region, devoid of a mining tradition, now faces the threat of large-scale mining operations, further exacerbating the country's violent history.
The battle for Colombia's future is far from over. Indigenous communities, Afro-Colombians, and the environmental movement stand united and organized, determined to protect their natural resources and rights. As Yuvelis Morales Blanco's story illustrates, the struggle for a sustainable future is a collective effort, and the international community must play a crucial role in safeguarding Colombia's energy transition.
