Untangling the Subsidies Knot: A Panel Discussion of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform
By some estimates, Canadian governments spend as much as $2.6 billion annually on fossil fuel subsidies. Reforming these subsidies may have merit on both environmental and economic grounds. Yet the process of determining the extent and impact of subsidies, and how to change them, is both analytically and politically tricky. There is no straightforward path for parsing public and private interests.
With limited government resources, could alternative uses of public dollars lead to a greater public good?
On October 2, 2013, IISD and Sustainable Prosperity hosted a lively discussion of the why and how of fossil fuel subsidy reform. IISD experts Peter Wooders and Dave Sawyer presented on "Moving Ahead on Reform" and "Fossil Fuel Subsidies in the Canadian Oil and Gas Sector."
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Powerpoint presentations:
Energy Subsidies — Moving ahead on reform, Peter Wooders, Senior Economist, IISD & Programme Leader, Global Subsidies Initiative
A Carbon Price is Good, But a Zero Carbon Price is a Better Start: Fossil-Fuel Subsidies in the Canadian Oil and Gas Sector, David Sawyer
You might also be interested in
Electrify, Baby, Electrify’: In 2025, governments must choose a safer world
President Trump campaigned on the slogan “drill, baby, drill,” yet, the case for transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy has never been stronger.
Five Key Priorities to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Canada
As the G7 president in 2025, Canada has a pivotal opportunity to lead by fully phasing out fossil fuel supports and investing in a cleaner, more equitable future. Here are five recommendations for effective subsidy reform.
What Does Climate Adaptation Look Like in Action? Here are nine locally led, nature-based ideas
What does Nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation look like for the communities involved? From cultivating seaweed seeds to planting hurricane-resistant trees, here are nine locally-driven ideas.
Nations are exiting a secretive system that protects corporations
Bolivia was the first nation to begin leaving a legal system that allows foreign companies to sue governments behind closed doors. Now, other countries are following.