Commentary: Fossil fuel consumption subsidies bounced back strongly in 2018.

Higher average oil prices in 2018 pushed up the value of global fossil fuel consumption subsidies back up toward levels last seen in 2014, underscoring the incomplete nature of the pricing reforms undertaken in recent years, according to new data from the IEA.

2018 data sees oil return as the most heavily subsidised energy
carrier, expanding its share in the total to more than 40%.

The new data for 2018 show a one-third increase in the estimated value of these subsidies, to more than $400 billion. The estimates for oil, gas and fossil-fuelled electricity have all increased significantly, reflecting the higher price for fuels (which, in the presence of an artificially low end-user price, increases the estimated value of the subsidy). The continued prevalence of these subsidies – more than double the estimated subsidies to renewables – greatly complicates the task of achieving an early peak in global emissions.

The 2018 data sees oil return as the most heavily subsidised energy carrier, expanding its share in the total to more than 40%. In 2016, electricity briefly became the sector with the largest subsidy bill.

Read the IEA story - “Commentary: Fossil fuel consumption subsidies bounced back strongly in 2018."

Climate quotes from 2014

Seven of the best climate quotes of 2014.

We’ll be the first to admit: when you witness the Bah Humbug coming from Big Oil media campaigns, deniers, and ALEC day after day, working to stop climate change can sometimes be challenging.

But the truth is, the volume of their attacks is only increasing because they can see the tide is turning in our favour and sometimes you just need the equivalent of your favourite jam to remind you of the many, many reasons for #ClimateHope these days and get the spring back in your step. So we’ve put together a few of the quotes we keep turning to as the Climate Reality equivalent of “Crazy in Love” below.