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The Climate Question: Why are we still subsidising fossil fuels?

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30/01/2023 GMT

Why are we still subsidising fossil fuels?

BBC World Service - The Climate Question, Why are we still subsidising fossil fuels?

Despite climate change, government support for fossil fuel producers is at record levels

In 2009, the G20 pledged to phase out 'inefficient' fossil fuel subsidies. But now, government support for fossil fuel producers is at record levels

In 2009, the G20 countries pledged to phase out 'inefficient' fossil fuel subsidies, which have long been seen as an obstacle to fighting climate change. But today, subsidies for oil and gas producers are at record levels -- $64 billion in 2021. It’s not just to do with the war in Ukraine.  

Despite its image as a leader on climate change, the UK is listed as one of the worst offenders for government support to oil and gas producers because of its generous tax relief.  
We hear from the centre of the UK’s oil and gas industry in Aberdeen, Scotland, about the difficult balance between energy security, jobs and climate change.  

Presenters Graihagh Jackson and Luke Jones are joined by: 

Ipek Gensu, Senior Research Fellow at Overseas Development Institute 
Lord Deben, Chairman of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee and former Secretary of State for the Environment from 1993-97 
Kevin Keane, BBC Scotland’s Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs correspondent – at Aberdeen port 
Fran Bell, Fiscal and Investor Relations Manager at Offshore Energy UK  

Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com 

Producer: Sophie Eastaugh 
Researcher: Natasha Fernandes 
Series Producer: Alex Lewis 
Editor: China Collins 
Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell  
Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick Cross and Siobhan Reed 

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The Climate Question

Why are we still subsidising fossil fuels?

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