Nigeria Joins Global Talks as Scientists Push “Fossil Fuel Freeze” in High-Stakes Climate Summit

A new global push to accelerate the end of fossil fuels is gathering momentum, with Nigeria among around 60 countries taking part in a landmark meeting in Colombia as scientists warn that new oil and gas expansion could deepen the climate crisis.

The discussions come as a scientific panel unveiled a 12-point policy “menu” urging governments to consider drastic steps, including halting all new fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure projects.

The proposals were released ahead of a two-day international conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, where ministers and climate officials are exploring practical pathways to reduce dependence on oil, coal, and gas.

The meeting brings together countries including Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, and Canada, alongside other major producers and consumers of fossil fuels.

Unlike traditional United Nations climate summits, the talks are focused less on new targets and more on implementation strategies for transitioning economies away from fossil fuels.

Officials say the urgency has been heightened by global instability in energy markets following geopolitical tensions affecting oil and gas supply chains.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte said the format allows for more direct discussions. “People seem refreshed to be able to talk about these issues without having to sort of argue the existential question of — do we need to do this at all?” she said.

The summit is taking place in Santa Marta, a major coal-exporting region, where environmental activists and Indigenous groups staged protests calling for a faster phase-out of fossil fuels.

While no binding agreements are expected, the scientific advisory panel behind the recommendations argued that governments must stop approving new fossil fuel projects if global temperature goals are to remain achievable.

Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre said there is “no justification whatsoever for any new exploration of fossil fuels,” warning that existing reserves alone could push global warming beyond safe limits.

Data presented at the conference shows governments still spend significantly more on fossil fuel subsidies than on renewable energy investment, raising concerns among climate economists.

Major emitters such as the United States, China, and India are not participating in the talks, alongside several oil-rich Gulf states, despite being central to global energy production and consumption.

Scientists warn that the world has already warmed by about 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, with projections suggesting the 1.5°C threshold could be exceeded within years if emissions are not sharply reduced.

They caution that crossing this limit could trigger irreversible impacts, including the collapse of coral reef systems and major ice sheets.