FAQ – Organising a local action in the run up to Santa Marta, everything you need answers to in 5 minutes

  • Because international processes move when public momentum exists.

    The Santa Marta Conference creates a diplomatic opening to address a global just transition away from fossil fuels. But without visible public engagement, it risks becoming another abstract discussion. Organising locally helps to show that communities support an equitable fossil fuel phase-out, to raise political ambition, and to connect global diplomacy to local realities.

  • The UN climate process plays an essential role, but it has historically focused on reducing emissions — not directly on ending fossil fuel production. The Santa Marta Conference aims to address that gap. It creates a dedicated diplomatic space to focus specifically on coal, oil and gas extraction, licensing and subsidies — issues that have been difficult to advance within the consensus-based UN system. Rather than competing with the UNFCCC, this process is designed to complement and reinforce it, helping to translate climate goals into concrete, time-bound cooperation on transitioning away from fossil fuels.

  • The Santa Marta Conference is co-hosted by the Governments of Colombia and the Netherlands, and the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative is working to ensure it is as successful and impactful as possible.  The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty provides a concrete framework for what a fast, fair and financed phase-out could look like. Many other partner organizations have also committed to support this global effort to make Santa Marta a success, because we share the same common goal: organizing a truly global just transition to a world without fossil fuels. 

  • No. This is not only a “day of protest.” It is a coordinated global moment. Your action can take many forms: a community assembly, a public forum, a teach-in, a faith gathering, a symbolic or creative action… and many more. 

    Choose the format that fits your context and political space.

  • The strongest actions bring together diverse actors. Consider inviting climate and environmental groups, trade unions and worker representatives, youth and student organisations, faith leaders, indigenous representatives, local businesses engaged in the transition, academics and researchers, community organisations… Cross-sector dialogue strengthens legitimacy and political impact.

  • It is about fossil fuels and why and how we should end extraction and production. Your discussion can for example focus on:

    • What fossil fuel dependence means locally

    • Existing or planned fossil fuel projects in your area

    • Public subsidies and investments

    • Jobs and economic transition

    • Energy sovereignty

    • Climate impacts in your region

    • Links between fossil fuels, instability, or inequality…

    What is important is to move from abstract climate talk to concrete realities.

  • Your event does not need to solve everything. But it can produce for example:

    • A short public statement or declaration

    • A letter to your government

    • A list of local demands

    • A commitment to further organising

    • A cross-sector working group

    • A roadmap outline for local transition

    A public message addressed to the Santa Marta process…

  • By registering your action, it becomes part of a coordinated international wave.

    This creates a visible map of global mobilisation, shared messaging, political reinforcement across countries, and it will strengthen leverage on governments participating in Santa Marta. Local actions show that this is not only a diplomatic initiative happening in Colombia — it is a global movement, and the world is watching and taking part, everywhere. 

    Also, statements or declarations produced, public commitments taken, will be shared publicly through the website, and conveyed to the preparatory meetings taking place the days before the conference itself. 

  • No. It is even better if you are not ! What matters is:

    • A focus on fossil fuel phase-out and just transition

    • Alignment with shared principles such as justice, equity and inclusion. 

    • A constructive, nonviolent approach

    The more accessible your action is, the better. 

  • Adapt to your context. You can:

    • Focus on positive visions of transition

    • Highlight economic opportunities

    • Frame discussions around justice, stability, or sovereignty

    • Organise smaller invite-only dialogues

    There is no single model.

  • No, fossil fuel phase-out connects to economic stability, public finance, peace and geopolitics, democratic accountability, social justice, especially for frontline communities… among other crucial issues. Your action can reflect the dimensions most relevant in your context.

  • Success is not only attendance. It includes the new alliances formed, the visibility you will get in the local media and social media, how you will succeed in getting engagement from your decision-makers, the concrete next steps you will plan with others… Even modest gatherings contribute to a larger global shift.