Despite long-standing commitments in international forums, governments around the globe continue to spend hundreds of billions each year to subsidize fossil fuels, further encouraging the wasteful consumption of fossil fuels and slowing the uptake of clean alternatives. 2022 must be the year that governments shift from commitments to action.

This virtual event, organized by the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFFSR) in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s Global Subsidies Initiative (IISD-GSI), provides an update on the state of fossil fuel subsidy reform and what to expect in 2022; a pivotal year in international climate change diplomacy.

During this session, government representatives from the 2022 G7 and G20 presidencies present how fossil fuel subsidy reform and the clean energy transition fit into their agendas. A representative from the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) presidency also outline achievements made last year and the necessary next steps. Researchers from IISD-GSI and other partners then highlight the latest estimates of global fossil fuel subsidy spending. They also look back at the outcomes of the G7, G20, and UNFCCC processes in 2021, including the milestone Glasgow Climate Pact commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Finally, speakers look at what to expect from the G7, G20, and UNFCCC in the year ahead.

Agenda

Call to Order

Peter Wooders, Senior Director, Energy, IISD

Opening Remarks

HRH Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands

Government Perspectives

Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR) at the G7 in 2022
Birgit Schwenk, Director General for Climate Policy, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Germany

FFSR at the G20 in 2022
Andi Novianto, Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy for Oil and Gas, Mining, and Petrochemical at the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, Indonesia (Download slides)

FFSR at the APEC in 2021 and Next Steps
Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic, New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade, and APEC 2021 Senior Officials Meeting Chair

Civil Society Perspectives

FFSR Outcomes at the G7 and G20 in 2021 and Expectations for 2022
Ipek Gencsu, Senior Research Fellow, Climate and Sustainability, Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

FFSR Outcomes at COP26 and Expectations for 2022
Jennifer Allan, Strategic Adviser and Team Leader, Earth Negotiations Bulletin, IISD

Update of the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Tracker
Lourdes Sanchez, Senior Policy Advisor and Lead, Indonesia, IISD (Download slides)

Q&A

Moderator: Peter Wooders, IISD

Closing