Colombia’s Fight: We Won’t Give Up Against Fossil Fuels
Grassroots Activists Vow Continued Resistance
We won t give up we ll – Colombia’s environmental movement stands firm as the nation navigates a pivotal political transition. Following a historic presidential election on June 21, Abelardo de la Espriella emerged as the country’s new leader with a razor-thin victory margin. The far-right lawyer’s narrow win sets the stage for renewed fossil fuel expansion, prompting activists to reaffirm their commitment. “We won t give up we will keep fighting,” declares Yuvelis Morales Blanco, a 25-year-old environmental champion from Santander.
This determination echoes through communities across Colombia as the new administration prepares to reshape energy policy. Morales, who received the Goldman environmental prize in April, has become a symbol of grassroots resistance. Her message resonates deeply: We won t give up we will continue protecting our waters and our future from industrial exploitation.
A River Community’s Resilience
Morales’ connection to environmental activism runs through her family’s generations-long relationship with the Magdalena River. Her parents work as fishers, and the river represents more than economic survival—it embodies cultural identity. “For us, the river isn’t just food,” Morales explains. “It embodies life, identity and culture.”
“We won t give up we will defend our waters,” Morales declares, reflecting the sentiment of Puerto Wilches residents who voted against fossil fuel expansion. The community received nearly 60% of votes for Iván Cepeda, Petro’s candidate, demonstrating strong local opposition to extractive industries.
Puerto Wilches stands as an exception within Santander, where De la Espriella won nearly every municipality. This geographic divide highlights how communities with direct experience of pollution remain more resistant to fossil fuel expansion than those further removed from extraction sites.
Balancing Economy and Environment
Colombia’s economic landscape presents complex challenges for environmental policy. By 2025, non-mining and non-energy exports accounted for 52.6% of total exports, marking a significant shift away from resource dependency. However, fossil fuels still contribute 5% to GDP, and the fiscal deficit reached 6.4%—the highest level since the pandemic.
Andrés Gómez, a petroleum engineer coordinating the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative for Latin America, advocates for measured progress. “It’s about managing the decline,” he notes. “The right strategy for the country is not to abandon extractive revenues overnight.”
“We won t give up we will push for sustainable development,” Gómez affirms. Colombia produces 750,000 barrels of oil daily while simultaneously expanding coffee, flower, and fruit exports. With only 0.1% of global proven fossil fuel reserves compared to Venezuela’s 17%, Gómez argues Colombia should prioritize value-added industries.
Policy Uncertainties Ahead
Renewable energy capacity surged from 200 megawatts to 3,600 megawatts between 2022 and 2026, demonstrating Colombia’s commitment to clean energy. Gómez believes this progress validates the Petro administration’s environmental strategy and should become permanent state policy.
“We won t give up we will ensure energy transition becomes a lasting commitment,” Gómez emphasizes. “Colombia has done remarkable diplomatic work in favour of the energy transition and against fossil fuel dependency.”
With De la Espriella’s inauguration scheduled for August 7, activists prepare for potential policy reversals. The president-elect has pledged to issue numerous decrees undoing Pacto Histórico initiatives. Susana Muhamad, a political scientist and former environment minister, anticipates a “policy of containment” that will gradually slow the transition.
Despite these challenges, Colombia’s environmental movement remains steadfast. From the Magdalena River to national policy debates, activists continue their fight. We won t give up we will keep fighting for a sustainable future that honors both economic needs and environmental protection.
