In April 2026, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) formally made its endorsement of “Health Submission: COP30 Presidency Roadmap on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in a Just, Orderly and Equitable Manner”. Convened by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), this submission aims to provide a health-sector contribution to the COP30 Presidency’s roadmap process. Recognizing the importance of a realistic and equitable transition grounded in scientific evidence while considering differences in energy and social structures across countries and regions, HGPI is participating in this international discussion. This submission responds to the first Global Stocktake (GST1) call for Parties to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in line with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, which the Japanese government has also adopted.

The endorsement comes amid heightened international dialogue. From April 24 to 29, 2026, the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels was held in Santa Marta, Colombia, co-hosted by the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands. The Conference brought together delegations from over 50 countries together with scientists, civil society representatives, and health professionals. The conference is intended to complement the formal United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. A report is expected to be published based on the discussion of the Conference that will feed into the COP30 Presidency’s roadmap to be presented at COP31 in November 2026. This submission ensures that the health perspective informs both the Santa Marta dialogue and the COP30 Presidency’s roadmap.

To accelerate implementation, the submission highlights several key levers, such as:

1. Integrating the true costs of fossil fuels into decision-making: The full health and economic costs of fossil fuels should be embedded in policy decisions to enable a stronger application of the “polluter pays” principle.
2. Redirecting fossil fuel subsidies and investing in a sustainable transition: Fossil fuel subsidies should be reviewed, and resources redirected toward renewable energy, public health, and social protection, supported by transparent policymaking processes.
3. Strengthening legal accountability: Mechanisms should be established to ensure legal accountability for health damages and environmental harm caused by fossil fuels.
4. Centering Indigenous- and community-led transitions: A moratorium on new extraction in Indigenous territories is needed, alongside Indigenous- and community-led transition strategies that prioritize local knowledge, equity, and long-term sustainability.

HGPI, through its Planetary Health Project, will continue its dialogue with the global health and climate community, while advancing policy recommendations aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting adaptation measures in Japan’s healthcare sector. The full text of the submission is available via the UNFCCC website.