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A coalition of leading climate scientists has presented a comprehensive 'menu' of policy measures designed to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels. The recommendations were unveiled at the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 24–29, 2026. The scientific synthesis report, seen by multiple media outlets, offers 12 'action insights' ranging from banning new fossil fuel infrastructure to prohibiting advertisements by the fossil fuel industry.
What is the Santa Marta Action Repertoire?
The Santa Marta Action Repertoire (SMART) is a science-based policy framework compiled by an ad-hoc group of approximately 24 scientists, led by Dr. Friedrich Bohn of the Earth Resilience Institute in Germany and Prof. Frank Jotzo of the Australian National University. The report responds to a growing recognition that the world must move beyond climate pledges and begin implementing concrete, enforceable measures to phase out oil, gas, and coal. The document was prepared ahead of ministerial-level discussions among representatives from 56 participating nations.
The scientists' core message is unequivocal: phasing down fossil fuels is 'necessary and possible.' They emphasize that the current global energy crisis presents a unique window of opportunity to accelerate the transition. The global energy transition roadmap outlined in the report stresses that delaying action will lock in decades of further emissions and economic risk.
Key Recommendations from Scientists
Ban New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
One of the most striking recommendations is a call to immediately halt all new fossil fuel exploration, extraction, and infrastructure projects. The scientists warn against 'fossil lock-ins'—investments in pipelines, LNG terminals, and oil fields that would require decades of operation to recoup costs, thereby undermining climate goals.
Phase Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies
The report urges governments to rapidly phase out subsidies for both fossil fuel production and consumption. According to the International Monetary Fund, global fossil fuel subsidies reached an estimated $7 trillion annually in 2025 when including environmental and health costs. Redirecting these funds toward clean energy and social safety nets is seen as a critical lever.
Ban Fossil Fuel Advertising and Lobbying
In a move reminiscent of tobacco control, the scientists recommend banning advertisements and lobbying by fossil fuel companies. They argue that combating disinformation is essential for building public support for the transition. 'The fossil fuel industry has systematically obstructed climate action for decades,' the report states. 'A legal framework to ban fossil fuel advertising and lobbying is a necessary step to protect democratic decision-making.'
Set Binding Methane Reduction Targets
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a short atmospheric lifetime, is identified as a 'fast track' to slowing global warming. The scientists call for binding, time-bound targets to cut methane emissions from oil and gas operations, agriculture, and waste management.
Accelerate Electrification and Just Transition
Beyond supply-side measures, the report emphasizes demand-side transformation: electrification of transport, heating, and industry, powered by renewable energy. Critically, the scientists underline the importance of a just transition. 'Workers must be retrained in time, costs must be shared fairly, and policies must be communicated clearly,' the document states. 'Energy security, improved health, financial stability, and prosperity are all co-benefits of moving away from fossil fuels.'
Launch of the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition
Alongside the SMART report, the conference saw the launch of the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET), a new body co-chaired by Vera Songwe, Ottmar Edenhofer, and Gilberto M. Jannuzzi. The panel, comprising 50–100 scientists across four working groups, aims to produce faster, more targeted policy recommendations than the IPCC's seven-year assessment cycle. A draft roadmap for Colombia presented at the launch projects that an average annual investment of $10.6 billion could yield net economic benefits of $23 billion per year by 2050 through energy efficiency, renewables, storage, and electrified transport.
The Colombia clean energy investment plan demonstrates the economic viability of the transition, but the panel warns that without immediate action, the 1.5°C warming limit will slip out of reach.
Political and Economic Implications
The conference in Santa Marta represents a diplomatic shift: it is the first global forum dedicated specifically to implementing the transition away from fossil fuels, rather than merely discussing emissions targets. Around 50 nations, self-identifying as a 'coalition of the willing,' participated. However, major fossil fuel producers and large emerging economies were notably absent, raising questions about the initiative's global reach.
The scientific community is clear that voluntary pledges are insufficient. 'The window to keep 1.5°C alive is narrowing rapidly,' said Prof. Joyeeta Gupta of the University of Amsterdam, one of the report's contributors. 'We need binding international rules, not just aspirational goals.' Her colleague Prof. Linda Steg of the University of Groningen added: 'Public engagement is crucial. People need to see that the transition is fair and that they will benefit from cleaner air, stable energy prices, and new jobs.'
The report also warns against false solutions, such as relying on unproven carbon capture technologies or using natural gas as a 'bridge fuel.' The scientists explicitly reject gas as a transitional energy source, citing its methane leakage risks and the long lifespan of new gas infrastructure.
FAQ: Scientists' Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Plan
What is the 'menu' of measures presented by scientists?
The 'menu' is a set of 12 policy recommendations called the Santa Marta Action Repertoire (SMART), including banning new fossil fuel projects, phasing out subsidies, prohibiting fossil fuel ads, setting methane targets, and accelerating electrification with a just transition.
Why is banning fossil fuel advertising recommended?
Scientists argue that the fossil fuel industry has used advertising and lobbying to obstruct climate action, similar to tactics previously used by the tobacco industry. Banning such activities is seen as essential to combat disinformation and enable democratic climate policy.
How many countries participated in the Santa Marta conference?
Representatives from 56 countries attended the conference, with around 50 nations actively participating in the 'coalition of the willing' focused on implementing the transition away from fossil fuels.
Is the transition away from fossil fuels economically feasible?
Yes, according to the scientists. A draft roadmap for Colombia shows that investing $10.6 billion annually could yield $23 billion in net economic benefits per year by 2050, while also improving health, energy security, and financial stability.
What is the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET)?
SPGET is a new body of 50–100 scientists launched at the Santa Marta conference to provide faster, more targeted policy recommendations than the IPCC. It will develop country- and sector-level milestones aligned with the 1.5°C warming limit.
Sources
Information for this article was sourced from the Carbon Brief report on the Santa Marta scientific synthesis, the official conference website (transitionawayconference.com), Climate Home News coverage of the SPGET launch, and the University of Amsterdam press release on Prof. Gupta's research.
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