Colombia's outgoing minister warns climate gains at risk under new government

Colombia's outgoing environment minister warned that the incoming government could reverse climate gains, citing support for fracking and what she described as climate skepticism among officials. In an interview, Irene Vélez Torres said the new administration under President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella poses a threat to progress made in protecting the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous governance.

Vélez noted that 42% of Colombia's territory is covered by Amazon rainforest, and she fears the new government may weaken Indigenous environmental governance and protections for paramos ecosystems. De la Espriella, who takes office on Aug. 7, has pledged to revive the oil sector and voiced support for fracking, marking a sharp shift from the Petro administration's climate diplomacy.

• Support for fracking and fossil fuel development Source: AP News
• Weakening Indigenous environmental governance in the Amazon Source: AP News
• Potential rollback of paramos protections Source: Ground News

Vélez called climate denialism "absolutely dangerous" and warned that Colombia could lose ground on climate action at a time when the country faces mounting environmental challenges, including El Niño.