Mothers, grandmothers and daughters often have a lot on their plates—even more so in developing countries where health, education and social protection are scarce, and energy systems are often emerging.

Research released in a letter to Nature describes how a single policy instrument, fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR), could deliver carbon emission reductions of between 0.5 to 2 Gt, or between 1 and 4 per cent, globally by 2030.

Fossil fuel subsidy reform was high on the agenda at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 23). At several events, experts and political leaders sent a clear signal to move fast to reform fossil fuel subsidies, which stood at over USD 425 billion in 2015.

In their closing statement at the UNFCCC COP 23 in 2017, the world’s 47 least developed countries requested that the Talanoa Dialogue include “managing a phaseout of fossil fuels”. The 2018 Talanoa Dialogue is a crucial opportunity to increase climate mitigation ambition and effectiveness by putting fossil fuel phase-out on the international climate agenda.

The overall project aims are to better understand the potential carbon reduction benefits from fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR), recognise reform as part of national carbon mitigation measures and utilise the opportunity of reform to build towards more sustainable and diverse energy systems.

The IISD Global Subsidies Initiative worked with UNDP-Viet Nam to lead a process of policy analysis and engagement on fossil fuel subsidy reform in Viet Nam since 2012.

Removal of consumer subsidies can lead to carbon emission reductions (6 to 8 per cent by 2050 globally), Reductions that can be improved further with a switch or a "SWAP" towards sustainable energy. This report describes the scale and impact of fossil fuel subsidies on sustainable development. It describes the SWAP concept to switch savings made from fossil fuel subsidy reform, towards sustainable energy, energy efficiency and safety nets. The report provides potential SWAP outlines for Bangladesh, Indonesia, Morocco and Zambia. "Making the Switch" was written for the Nordic Council Ministers by the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD and Gaia Consulting.

The combined impact of fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR) and an increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxation could do three things: save and raise money for governments; reduce emissions; and provide upfront and ongoing domestic resources to fund sustainable development and the sustainable energy transition.