Written submission by GCHA to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

The GCHA argues that the transition away from fossil fuels is hindered by structural barriers, including economic dependence, infrastructure lock-in, subsidies, and industry lobbying. To address these, the GCHA proposes three primary solutions: implementing health cost accounting to reveal the true economic burden of fossil fuels, redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward clean energy and public health, and banning fossil fuel marketing and sponsorships. The submission emphasizes that air pollution from fossil fuels causes approximately 5.3 million premature deaths annually and cost the global economy US$2.9 trillion in 2018.

• Fossil fuel-driven air pollution has severe global health and economic impacts, causing approximately 5.3 million premature deaths every year. In 2018, the economic costs associated with this pollution were estimated at US$2.9 trillion, representing 3.3% of global GDP.
• The transition away from fossil fuels is obstructed by five main structural barriers: economic dependence and development narratives, infrastructure and investment lock-in, fossil fuel subsidies, industry lobbying and disinformation, and limited international finance.
• The GCHA proposes 'Health Cost Accounting' to integrate the true health and economic costs of fossil fuel dependence into national finance and energy planning between 2026 and 2050. This approach aims to reduce fiscal reliance on fossil fuels by incorporating hidden costs such as healthcare, environmental clean-ups, and site remediation into public budgets.
• The submission recommends phasing out fossil fuel subsidies between 2026 and 2040 and redirecting those funds toward renewable energy, clean cooking, public transport, and resilient infrastructure to provide immediate public health benefits.
• The GCHA advocates for a comprehensive ban on fossil fuel advertising, marketing, and sponsorships across media, cultural, educational, and sporting platforms, drawing a parallel to tobacco control measures to reduce demand and prevent greenwashing.

APA

Global Climate and Health Alliance (n.d.). Written submission by GCHA to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sant-Marta-Conference-2026-GCHA-Written-submission.pdf

Chicago

Global Climate and Health Alliance. Written submission by GCHA to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. n.d. https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sant-Marta-Conference-2026-GCHA-Written-submission.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Global Climate and Health Alliance |title=Written submission by GCHA to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels |url=https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sant-Marta-Conference-2026-GCHA-Written-submission.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{globalclimateandhealthalliancendwritten, author = {{Global Climate and Health Alliance}}, title = {{Written submission by GCHA to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels}}, publisher = {Global Climate and Health Alliance}, url = {https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sant-Marta-Conference-2026-GCHA-Written-submission.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }