Colombian Presidential Runoff Could Shape Amazon's Future and Fossil Fuel Policies
The upcoming Colombian presidential election is set to be a pivotal moment for the country's environmental and energy policies. The runoff, scheduled for June 21, features candidates Iván Cepeda, an ally of current President Gustavo Petro, and lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, who has been endorsed by U.S. President Trump. The election presents a stark choice between continuing Petro's policies, which emphasize environmental conservation and a transition away from fossil fuels, and de la Espriella's platform, which supports expanding Colombia's extractive industries, including fracking. Petro's administration has been a vocal advocate for protecting the Amazon rainforest and reducing reliance on oil, gas, and coal. Cepeda is expected to continue these priorities, focusing on Indigenous rights and renewable energy. In contrast, de la Espriella argues for economic growth through increased resource extraction. 
