Cities around the world call for accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy

As city leaders and national governments gather at the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, one message is clear: transitioning away from fossil fuels is the most effective way to guarantee energy security. Current global volatility has proven that fossil fuel dependence is a direct threat to household budgets, national financial stability and global insecurity. By moving away from the price shocks and supply disruptions inherent in fossil fuel dependence, we can deliver what communities actually need: energy that is affordable, reliable and resilient against global crises. This conference stands as one of the most promising outcomes of COP30, signaling a concrete shift from global pledges to local implementation. Earlier this month, over 25 cities from around the world joined the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands in a virtual dialogue co-convened by C40 and ICLEI, ensuring the conference reflects a truly global subnational perspective and showcases the transition in action at the local level.