This month’s presidential-election win by leftist Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla and mayor of Bogotá, has fueled hope in environmental circles as Colombia grapples with rising deforestation and scant funding for its climate agenda. Petro will take office on Aug. 8 alongside his vice-president, environmentalist and human rights activist Francia Márquez. Together, they have promised to halt new oil licenses, promote renewable energy and tackle climate change. They represent a break from decades of conservative and centrist rule in Colombia. Their June 19 victory has won praise from local environmental leaders who see in the duo an opportunity to put the green agenda front and center. During his time as mayor, Petro pushed for public transit improvements and electric vehicles, winning Bogotá the Climate and City Leadership award from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. He also sought to protect water sources and wetlands. Márquez, for her part... [Log in to read more]