Fossil fuel subsidies are contributing to fiscal instability and undermining governments\u2019 efforts to combat serious economic and environmental challenges, such as climate change, and the transition to an inclusive green economy, according to experts.<\/p>\n
\u201cReforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy\u201d is the theme of the two-day event co-organized by UNEP, IMF, GIZ and the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD. Sessions will focus on how fiscal policies can address the perverse effects of fossil fuel subsidies and strengthen government spending for sustainable development.<\/p>\n
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently reported that CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes were responsible for approximately 78 per cent of the total increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 1970 and 2010.<\/p>\n
Experts say reducing or eliminating harmful fossil fuel subsidies \u2013 and properly pricing energy to account for environmental impacts \u2013 is one of the most promising ways governments can promote a transition to a greener economy, and even the playing field for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.<\/p>\n
Subsidies to producers often support inefficient state-owned energy companies and stifle incentives for greater efficiencies and innovation, while subsidies to consumers often encourage excessive consumption, which has knock-on effects for pollution, human health and greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
Globally, fossil fuel subsidies are estimated to be in the range of US$500 billion. When taking into account implicit subsidies from the failure to charge for pollution, climate change and other externalities, the IMF estimates the post-tax subsidy figure is closer to $2 trillion worldwide \u2013 equivalent to about 2.9 per cent of global GDP, or 8.5 per cent of government revenues. Furthermore, it finds the removal of such subsidies could lead to a 13 per cent decline in CO2 emissions.<\/p>\n
In comparison, according to the International Energy Agency, global subsidies to the renewable energy industry were $88 billion in 2011.<\/p>\n
\u201cFiscal policies are of particular importance in a green economy transition. Confronted by a fiscally constrained world, government reforms might appear to be a daunting challenge,\u201d said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, it is important to note that fossil fuel subsidies cost countries precious funds. For example, they divert government resources from pro-poor spending in Africa, where governments spend an estimated 3 per cent of GDP \u2013 equivalent to their total health care allocation \u2013 on fossil fuel subsidies,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Several countries, including Ghana, Namibia, the Philippines and Turkey, have all shown that it is possible to reform energy subsidies and prices. UNEP is currently undertaking green economy fiscal policy studies in several countries, including Ghana, Kenya and Mauritius, which will inform the respective governments as they advance their fiscal policy reforms.<\/p>\n
Experts are calling on governments to use government policies to leverage private investment in green sectors by redirecting public investments to clean technologies and providing direct public expenditure for research and development. For example, tax incentives could make investments in clean technologies more attractive, while government funds could reduce the risk profile of capital intensive new technologies.<\/p>\n
In addition, experts acknowledge that, in some cases, eliminating these subsidies could have ramifications on the poor or weaken the competitiveness of domestic industries. Therefore, they said, social protection measures are needed to ensure vulnerable groups are not overlooked and receive assistance during a transition period.<\/p>\n
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