In the heart of Colombia, a battle for the future of the environment rages on. The election of a far-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has sparked concern among activists and environmentalists, who fear a setback in the country's progress towards a greener future. Yuvelis Morales Blanco, a 25-year-old environmental champion, has been at the forefront of this struggle, halting oil extraction and fracking in Puerto Wilches. But with the new government's commitment to exploiting fossil fuels, her efforts may be in vain.
Morales' activism began early, driven by her connection to the Magdalena River, a lifeline for her community. The river is not just a source of sustenance but also a symbol of identity and culture. Her leadership in Puerto Wilches, where oil extraction has been a blight for decades, earned her the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. Yet, the election of de la Espriella, a lawyer with a pro-fossil fuel stance, has cast a shadow over her achievements.
The environmental movement in Colombia, already facing the world's highest homicide rates for activists, views the new government as a threat. Campaigners like Morales, who have fought tirelessly to protect natural resources, are now bracing for a potential rollback of their hard-fought gains. The divide between the environmental agenda and the new government's priorities is stark, with de la Espriella's victory in nearly every municipality in Santander, except Barrancabermeja and Puerto Wilches, where the leftist candidate, Iván Cepeda, prevailed.
The economic argument for fossil fuels is complex. While Colombia's exports have diversified, with non-mining, non-energy exports reaching 52.6% in 2025, the country's fiscal deficit hit 6.4%, its highest since the pandemic. Critics argue that a middle-income nation cannot afford to turn its back on oil, coal, and gas, which still contribute 5% to GDP. However, Andrés Gómez, a petroleum engineer, suggests a more nuanced approach, advocating for managing the decline of extractive revenues rather than an immediate abandonment.
Colombia's renewable energy capacity has grown significantly, from 200 to 3,600MW between 2022 and 2026, under the Petro government. This shift towards sustainability is a testament to the country's commitment to the energy transition. Yet, the new government's stance on fracking and large-scale extraction remains uncertain, with de la Espriella's rhetoric softening between the election rounds.
The environmental agenda in Colombia is a delicate balance. While the left holds significant sway in Congress, the right continues to advocate for the exploitation of non-renewable resources. The future environment minister, Fabio Arjona, has called for efficiency and fewer obstacles in environmental licensing, potentially loosening regulations. Susana Muhamad, a political scientist, predicts a policy of containment, with environmental rules designed to slow the transition, and a focus on the Cordillera Occidental, a region with vast potential for copper extraction.
The looming threat of violence in remote areas, where legal and illegal mining thrive under armed groups, adds another layer of complexity. The government's response to this challenge will likely involve a military offensive, putting vulnerable rural communities at risk once more. The energy transition, once a beacon of hope, now faces an uncertain future, with the new government's commitment to fossil fuels and the pressure from the United States under Donald Trump.
Despite the risks, Yuvelis Morales remains optimistic, urging the international community to safeguard Colombia's fossil fuel treaties and the well-being of local communities. The battle for the environment in Colombia is far from over, and the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a future where nature and progress can coexist.
