TALKS to accelerate a shift away from fossil fuels have taken place in Santa Marta, where Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned the world could “reach a point of no return” without the Amazon’s role in regulating the climate.

Starting on Tuesday, two days of discussions among ministers and senior officials marked the political centerpiece of the First Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels, where more than 50 countries have been considering how to move towards cleaner energy.

“The conclusion is unavoidable. We must transition away from fossil fuels, not just because it’s good for climate but because it strengthens our energy independence and security,” said Stientje van Veldhoven, minister for climate policy and green growth for the Netherlands, which is co-hosting the conference with Colombia.

The meeting reflects growing frustration among progressive governments and campaigners that decades of United Nations climate negotiations have failed to directly address fossil fuel production.

Speaking in the afternoon, Mr Petro warned “the Amazon rainforest is burning,” adding that “without it we reach a point of no return.”

The left-wing president asked whether “capitalism can really adapt to a way of life that is not fossil-based.” He noted that UN climate talks have fallen short, arguing “the unity of states has failed” and broader action beyond governments is needed.

Mr Petro also linked current conflicts to energy dependence, saying “the wars we are seeing are driven by desperate geopolitical strategies around fossil resources.”

Colombian Environment Minister Irene Velez Torres said the war in the Middle East had revealed “we are not only dealing with a climate and environmental crisis but also an economic and national security crisis.”

Organisers said the conference would not produce binding agreements but was intended to build political momentum outside the formal UN process.