Press release

Santa Marta conference: pressure is on governments and polluters to act

30 April 2026

The First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels closed in Santa Marta, Colombia yesterday. 

Laura Clarke, CEO of environmental law organisation ClientEarth, said: “The message coming out of the Santa Marta conference is clear: the countries calling for a fossil fuel phaseout are no longer fringe, they’re the future.  

“The fossil fuel system is fundamentally broken, locking millions into high energy bills while accelerating a climate crisis that is already impacting millions. During the conference, some countries have begun to chart a path, updating their plans to phase out coal, oil and gas. Others need to follow suit. 

“We saw recognition from the businesses in Santa Marta, including some of the world’s biggest multinationals, that we need to transition away from fossil fuels. There was clarity on the need to reform fossil fuel subsidies, where taxpayers’ money is still being used to prop up a system that’s harming people and the planet.”  

“The case for action – in terms of the science, economics and law – has never been clearer. ClientEarth will continue to use the law to hold states and corporations to account.”

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.