Global Climate Action: Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Plans, Clean Energy Surge, and Forest Loss Slowdown in 2026

Welcome to Carbon Brief’s DeBriefed, an essential guide to the week’s key developments relating to climate change.

Historic Summit Charts Path Away from Fossil Fuels

The first-ever conference on “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24-29 April 2026, concluded with 57 countries—representing one-third of the global economy—agreeing to develop national “roadmaps” to phase out coal, oil, and gas. The summit also introduced new tools to address fossil-fuel subsidies and carbon-intensive trade.

The event, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, adopted a novel format designed to foster open dialogue among ministers and envoys. This approach was praised as “refreshing” by participants, who engaged in frank discussions about the barriers to transitioning to clean energy amid a global oil and gas crisis.

Ahead of the main conference, a “science pre-conference” convened 400 academics from around the world. This gathering led to the launch of a new science panel aimed at providing rapid analysis to nations accelerating their shift from fossil fuels. The academics also endorsed a new scientific report—first reported by Carbon Brief—urging countries to “halt all new fossil-fuel expansion.”

Global Energy Shifts and Tensions

UAE Quits OPEC Amid Energy Crisis

On Tuesday, 29 April 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from OPEC, a move Reuters described as a “blow” to the oil producers’ group amid an unprecedented energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. The decision underscores growing discord among Gulf nations over energy policy.

Gas Investments Fuel IMO Negotiation Tensions

Negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London remain ongoing. According to the Guardian, pressure on the talks appears linked to countries heavily invested in gas, complicating efforts to decarbonize global shipping.

US Clean Energy Outpaces Policy Opposition

US clean-energy installations are on track to set another record in 2026, accounting for the majority of new power additions nationwide. Despite facing policy opposition from the Trump administration, the sector continues to expand, as reported by Bloomberg.

Environmental Progress and Challenges

Global Forest Loss Slows

The loss of tropical forests slowed in 2025, “largely due to Brazil’s efforts to curb deforestation in the Amazon,” according to data from the World Energy Institute and the University of Maryland, as covered by BBC News.

Coal Power Growth Remains Minimal

Global coal-power output is expected to increase by at most 1.8% this year, according to new analysis by Carbon Brief. This tempered growth challenges claims that the energy crisis could trigger a “return to coal.”

Latest Climate Research

• Climate Justice and Mass Incarceration: A study in Environmental Research Letters highlights how mass incarceration can be viewed as a “climate justice issue,” noting that incarcerated individuals face heightened risks from climate-related events and that carceral infrastructure exacerbates these impacts.
• Climate Finance in Conflict Zones: Research published in Climate Policy suggests that climate finance can promote stability in conflict-affected countries by alleviating water scarcity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Heatwaves and Wildlife: A study warns that land vertebrates will increasingly face threats from heatwaves, wildfires, drought, and river disruptions due to climate change.