Press release

Santa Marta conference: Phasing out fossil fuels is a “legal obligation”  

22 April 2026

Government ministers, scientists, Indigenous peoples, and civil society groups from at least 50 states will meet in Santa Marta (Colombia) for the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, from 24 to 29 April.

It comes as nations are embroiled in another fossil fuel-inflected war and prices are soaring worldwide as a consequence. 

Laura Clarke, CEO of environmental law organisation ClientEarth, said:  “The past few weeks have confirmed – yet again – that we need to move away from the current fossil fuel regime, which is driving instability and dangerous climate change, and harming lives and livelihoods across the world.  

“The case for phasing out fossil fuels is irrefutable. It is not a question of political discretion: it is a legal obligation. The International Court of Justice made it clear last year that failing to curb fossil fuel production and consumption, approving new projects, or continuing to subsidise fossil fuels could constitute internationally unlawful acts. 

“Santa Marta is an opportunity for a ‘coalition of the willing’ to focus on how, and not if, the world can leave fossil fuels behind and accelerate the transition to a better, fairer and more stable future.” 

ENDS

About ClientEarth

ClientEarth works in over 60 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. We shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive. 

We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.