In the heart of Colombia, a battle for the future of energy and the environment is unfolding, with activists like Yuvelis Morales Blanco leading the charge. The recent election of a far-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has brought this struggle into sharp focus, raising questions about the country's path forward.
The Activist's Perspective
Morales, a 25-year-old environmental leader, has dedicated her life to protecting Colombia's natural resources. Growing up near the Magdalena River, she developed a deep connection with nature, understanding its role as a source of life, identity, and culture. Her work in Puerto Wilches, where she successfully halted oil extraction and fracking, earned her international recognition with the Goldman environmental prize.
A Setback for Environmental Progress
The election results have dealt a blow to Colombia's environmental movement. De la Espriella's pledge to exploit fossil fuels to the fullest extent represents a stark departure from the previous leftist administration's focus on the energy transition. Morales and her fellow activists see this as a setback, but they remain resolute: "We were hoping for a government that respected human rights, but we won't give up. We'll keep fighting."
Dividing Lines in Colombia
The environmental agenda has divided Colombians. Santander, a department where De la Espriella won in nearly every municipality, is a case in point. However, the areas where oil extraction has taken place, like Puerto Wilches, voted against him. Morales highlights the irony: "We are the ones who have suffered the consequences of extraction and pollution, yet we voted against it."
The Economics of Fossil Fuels
Critics of the green push argue that Colombia, as a middle-income country, cannot afford to turn its back on oil, coal, and gas, which still contribute significantly to its GDP. However, the weight of fossil fuels in Colombia's economy has been shrinking, with non-mining, non-energy exports overtaking mining and energy exports for the first time in a decade.
Managing the Decline
Petroleum engineer Andrés Gómez believes the right strategy is to manage the decline of extractive revenues rather than abandon them overnight. He argues that Colombia should not be defined as an "oil country," especially given its relatively small share of the world's proven reserves compared to its neighbor, Venezuela.
Renewable Energy Growth
Despite the challenges, Colombia's renewable energy capacity has grown significantly under the previous administration, from 200 to 3,600 MW. Gómez believes this is a testament to the success of the Petro government's environmental policies.
A New Government, A New Direction
With De la Espriella's inauguration on August 7th, a new era begins. His administration is expected to roll back many of the policies implemented by the Pacto Histórico coalition. Political scientist Susana Muhamad predicts a "policy of containment," with a focus on slowing the energy transition and favoring the exploitation of non-renewable resources.
The Climate Consensus and Its Challenges
While there is a broad consensus in Colombia's congress about the reality of the climate crisis, the right-wing still backs policies that favor fossil fuel exploitation. Muhamad expects the new government to follow the pattern set by former presidents Álvaro Uribe and Juan Manuel Santos, who championed the "mining locomotive" as a key driver of the economy.
The Role of the United States
The alliance with the United States and the influence of Donald Trump are seen as key factors in the new government's push for fossil fuels. Muhamad highlights the vulnerability of regions like the Cordillera Occidental, which has huge potential for large-scale copper extraction but no mining tradition.
The Intersection of Mineral Ambitions and Violence
In remote areas of Colombia, mineral ambitions often collide with a history of violence and the presence of armed groups. Reclaiming these economies for government and private control will require military intervention, putting rural communities at risk once again.
A Narrow Election, A Divisive Outcome
The election's narrow margin highlights the lack of a proper debate between the governing platforms. Cepeda, the leftist candidate, lost by fewer than 250,000 votes out of a 26 million electorate. Muhamad believes this lack of debate contributed to the outcome.
The Future of Colombia's Energy Transition
Despite the challenges, Morales remains optimistic. She calls on the international community to hold Colombia accountable to its fossil fuel treaties and to ensure the protection of local communities as the country navigates its energy transition. "Countries will need to keep watch and ensure Colombia stays on the right path," she says.
Conclusion
The battle for Colombia's energy future is a complex interplay of environmental, economic, and political forces. As the country navigates this transition, the resilience and determination of activists like Morales will be crucial in shaping its path forward.
