Deforestation not enough
To achieve its stated goals, the Colombian government is relying primarily on the land sector: 70% of the total mitigation measures of the new targets relate to land use. But this completely ignores other more aggressive mitigation options in other carbon-heavy sectors of the economy – such as energy supply and transport.
Although President Duque has talked widely about how he supports the transition towards renewables, the country has yet to set explicit, quantifiable targets for reducing the use or production of fossil fuel. No dates have been set to phase out coal or stop the sale of fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
If we consider that fossil fuels still make up 75% of the country’s total energy mix, further action seems urgent. However, it is not happening soon.
As on other occasions, the Colombian government's actions contradict its good intentions.
In December 2020, President Duque approved the first pilot contract for fracking in the south and central regions of Colombia – even though there is a current moratorium on fracking. Why sign such a contract if he wants to achieve zero emissions by 2050?
He has openly supported fracking, and it is expected that he will lift the moratorium next year, giving the green light to fracking projects across the country.
Colombia wants to be perceived as a country focused on protecting its biodiversity, with ambitious climate-change targets. However, the possibility of it actually achieving its new NDC currently seems remote.
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