Outgoing minister cites fracking support, climate skepticism in new administration
Colombia’s outgoing environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres, said in an interview with The Associated Press that she fears the country could lose ground on climate action at a time when it already confronts increasingly severe environmental challenges.
“Arriving with an attitude of climate denialism is absolutely dangerous,” Vélez said, according to the AP.
The minister’s warning comes as President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella prepares to take office after winning a June runoff against a candidate allied with outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Under Petro, Colombia emerged as one of the world’s most vocal advocates for protecting the Amazon rainforest and transitioning away from oil, gas and coal. The country also co-hosted a first-of-its-kind international conference on fossil-fuel phaseout in Santa Marta in April.
Vélez pointed to the incoming administration’s support for fracking and fossil fuel development and what she described as climate skepticism among some officials as reasons for concern that recent policy gains could be reversed. She did not name specific officials or provide details on planned policy changes.