Santa Marta and Beyond

Santa Marta and Beyond is a one-hour webinar co-hosted by the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future (ASF) and George Mason University's Institute for a Sustainable Earth. The event took place on Wednesday, September 2, at 10 a.m. ET.

The virtual discussion featured participants from the 2026 Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF) in Santa Marta, Colombia. Panelists shared insights from their experiences at the conference and reflected on the multiple pathways that shaped the event, including: the High-Level Segment, People's Assembly, and Academia Chapter. Moderated by Julianna Gwiszcz, Associate Director of George Mason University’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE), this panel of experts discussed how the TAFF structure influenced conference processes, outcomes, and opportunities for climate action.

Participants included:

• Andrea Cardoso, Full Professor at the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences at the University of Magdalena
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Founder and Executive Director, Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International
• Nathan Thanki, Nathan Thanki, Network Organiser, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative
• Jose Reyeros, Climate Activist and Expert in Ocean Protection, Youth Movements and Climate Justice

During this virtual webinar, panelists explored whether and how the outcomes and processes of the inaugural TAFF Conference can help advance climate policy and action in the future.