Fossil fuel subsidies costing global economy $2 trillion: IMF

Science informs us about the environmental cost of our global fossil fuel habit – the IPCC recently reported that CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes contributed around 78 per cent of the total increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 1970 and 2010 – but what about the economic cost?

As has been noted here before, the combined value of global fossil fuel subsidies can be difficult to calculate, with recent estimates ranging from $500 billion to $1.9 trillion. But according to the International Monetary Fund, when you factor in implicit subsidies from the failure to charge for pollution, climate change and other externalities, the post-tax cost comes in at closer to $2 trillion – equivalent to about 2.9 per cent of global GDP, or 8.5 per cent of government revenues.

This eyebrow-raising figure was quoted ahead of this week’s two-day conference in Kenya, co-hosted by UNEP, IMF, GIZ and the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD. The theme of landmark meeting – “Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy” – will focus on how fiscal policies can address the perverse effects of fossil fuel subsidies and strengthen government spending for sustainable development.

Noting that global subsidies to the renewable energy industry were $88 billion in 2011, experts say reducing or eliminating fossil fuel subsidies – and properly pricing energy to account for environmental impacts – is one of the most effective ways governments can foster a low-carbon transition.

According to the IMF, simply removing fossil fuel subsidies could lead to a 13 per cent decline in CO2 emissions.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) argues that subsidies to fossil fuel 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.

“Fiscal 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,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

“However, 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 – equivalent to their total health care allocation – on fossil fuel subsidies,” he added.

UNEP, which is currently undertaking green economy fiscal policy studies in various developing countries, says several countries, including Ghana, Namibia, the Philippines and Turkey, have shown it is possible to reform energy subsidies and prices.

One of the major recommendations of the experts heading up the Kenya conference is for governments to use policy to leverage private investment in green sectors by redirecting public investments to clean technologies and providing direct public expenditure for research and development.

“Tax incentives could make investments in clean technologies more attractive, while government funds could reduce the risk profile of capital intensive new technologies,” says UNEP.

In Australia, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation has provided proof positive of this – unlocking finance for $2.5 billion in renewables projects since beginning formal operations in July 2013. Not enough proof, however, to dissuade the current Abbott government from dismantling the $10 billion fund as soon as it is able.

Comments

4 responses to “Fossil fuel subsidies costing global economy $2 trillion: IMF”

  1. Alen Avatar
    Alen

    The government says everyone has to put in their fair share to get the budget back on track, but at the same time makes no reference to reducing FF subsidies, such as diesel tax breaks for use in the mining sector. If there is a group that can surely afford to pay an equal and fair share, then it has to be mining companies with millions in annual profits and billionaire owners.
    WA has plenty of mines, therefore a chuck of these subsidies, and further its state government commits hundreds of millions to ensuring electricity prices are kept at reasonable prices, so someone correct me if my thinking is wrong, but in that state alone huge potential savings can be achieved by simply taking advantage of the vast RE sources the state has. Qld is close behind, especially in the Ergon catchment

  2. Bob Bingham Avatar
    Bob Bingham

    In New Zealand our electricity is 85% renewable but we need to convert more of out transport to electric and save on our oil import bill. http://www.climateoutcome.kiwi.nz/clean-energy-alternatives.html

  3. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    I wonder if they factored in the unseen costs like lung disease and asthma?

    1. wideEyedPupil Avatar
      wideEyedPupil

      that’s 50 billion dollars pa in USA from co alone and I think 5b inAust. no idea about China but effects life expectancy there by a year or so therefore costs would also be high.

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