Fossil fuel subsidies are killing both people and the planet. By encouraging excessive consumption of fossil fuels, subsidies exacerbate pollution and climate change, make violent protests more likely, and waste huge sums that could be used far better. Yet for years there has been minimal progress in eliminating fossil fuel subsidies.

Neil McCulloch, Director of The Policy Practice, has just published a book entitled Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies – the politics of saving the planet (Practical Action Publishing, 2023). The book explains what fossil fuel subsidies are, how they inflict harm and what steps are being taken to reduce them. It also shows why subsidies persist and why existing efforts have been so ineffective. Drawing lessons from countries which have tried to remove fossil fuel subsidies, it explains that the fundamental challenge to reform is not technical, but political. The book lays out a new agenda for action on fossil fuel subsidies, showing how a better understanding of the underlying political incentives can lead to more effective approaches to tackling this major global problem.

Speaker: Neil McCulloch (The Policy Practice, UK)

Wednesday, 5 April 2023 at 12.00-13.00 WIB (GMT+7)/15.00-16.00 AEST

This is a joint Forum Kajian Pembangunan and ANU Indonesia Project Global Seminar (in English), Online only. Registration required to receive your unique link: https://bit.ly/fkp0405