Fossil-fuel subsidies matter. They matter for sustainable development; they matter for government budgets; they matter for the poor who benefit very little; they matter for women and accessing daily necessities such as heating, lighting, cooking and transport; and they matter for the environment in that they work in the opposite direction of a low-carbon future, impede renewable take-off, stifle energy efficiency and dwarf climate finance.  Global pre-tax subsidies amounted to US$480 billion in 2011, whilst post-tax subsidies reached US$1.9 trillion. Reforming and redirecting subsidies will be an important piece of the jigsaw if we are to solve the climate change puzzle.

A new report from the GSI provides input to the Nordic Council of Ministers by identifying options and opportunities for increased Nordic cooperation on the phasing out of Fossil-fuel subsidies in developing countries. The research explores existing Nordic cooperation efforts in the fields of energy, climate change and extractives, outlines Nordic development trends and priorities, proposes partner countries, identifies potential areas of cooperation, and presents four recommendations for future action. Savings enable governments to manage deficits: they can be redirected at building sustainable energy networks or targeted at social spending.

Download:

Nordic Cooperation on fossil-fuel subsidy reform in developing countries: Assessing Options and Opportunities (PDF - 1.6 MB)

Background information on the report:

http://nordicway.org/

http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/nordic-council-assesses-options-for-fossil-fuel-subsidy-reform/

http://www.ndf.fi/news/ndf-recognised-nordic-council-ministers-working-paper