Trending Now - Experts Warn of Rising Oil Dependence as Nations Seek Alternatives.

WHO:

Alternet - Basav Sen, director of the Climate Policy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies.

The Conversation - President Donald Trump, Iranian government, and leaders of over 50 nations.

WHAT:

Alternet - President Trump’s policies are described as designed to keep Americans dependent on fossil fuels.

Alternet - Basav Sen stated that President Trump’s actions on fossil fuels are a "calculated set of moves to enrich an industry that backs him."

The Conversation - More than 50 nations will gather to discuss a potential standalone treaty to phase out fossil fuels.

The Conversation - The oil crisis has led to a significant increase in fuel import bills, with Fiji's costs projected to rise by A$933 million.

WHERE:

The Conversation - The conference will take place in Santa Marta, Colombia.

The Conversation - The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil supply route, was closed by Iran.

WHEN:

Alternet - The article was published on April 19th, 2026.

The Conversation - The conference is scheduled for the week of April 24th, 2026.

The Conversation - The conflict began in late February 2026.

WHY:

Alternet - Rising gas prices and the economic impact of President Trump’s policies are cited as reasons for the dependence on fossil fuels.

The Conversation - The closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered the largest disruption of oil supply in history, leading to increased urgency for a transition to clean energy.

HOW:

The Conversation - Countries are implementing emergency measures such as banning government travel, rationing fuel, and cutting school hours in response to the oil crisis.

The Conversation - The price of solar panels has fallen 99.9%, wind costs have decreased by 91% since 1984, and battery prices have dropped 99% since 1991, making alternatives viable.

(UPDATED April 22, 2026 17:25 UTC)

President Trump’s policies are being criticized for keeping Americans dependent on fossil fuels, with Basav Sen, director of the Climate Policy Project, calling them a "calculated set of moves to enrich an industry that backs him." In response to the ongoing oil crisis, which has seen Fiji's fuel import bills projected to rise by A$933 million, over 50 nations will gather in Santa Marta, Colombia, next week to discuss a potential treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuels. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the largest disruption of oil supply in history, prompting countries to implement emergency measures like banning government travel and rationing fuel as they seek to transition to clean energy alternatives.