Global Subsidies Initiative
IISD’s Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) works with governments and partners to reform subsidies that undermine sustainable development.
Subsidies and other economic incentives shape the world around us. Governments use them to influence what businesses produce and what people consume, making them powerful tools for economic development. When designed well, subsidies can drive social equity and environmental protection. But when misaligned, they can deepen inequalities, degrade ecosystems, and slow the transition to a sustainable future.
New Research
World Trade Organization Talks on Additional Fisheries Subsidy Rules
World governments are currently negotiating additional global disciplines to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. What new rules are being proposed?
Options for International Agreements on Fossil Fuel Subsidies
This report presents six building blocks for any international agreement on fossil fuel subsidies identifying a series of options and choices for negotiators to consider.
Reforming Environmentally Harmful Subsidies
This playbook offers a strategic framework for philanthropic organizations to understand, engage, and advance environmentally harmful subsidies reform as a critical avenue for sustainable environmental and economic transformation.
Fossil Fuel Production, Renewable Energy, and Subsidy Reform in Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0
This policy brief provides an analysis of the critical benchmarks and recommendations necessary for aligning nationally determined contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5 °C target.
Assessment of Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Canada
This report evaluates a potential fossil fuel subsidy provided to the Canadian oil industry through the Government of Canada's expansion and continued operation of the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMP) using the government's new fossil fuel subsidies assessment framework as the basis for analysis.
World Trade Organization Talks on Subsidies that Contribute to Overcapacity and Overfishing: What's on the table?
World governments are currently negotiating new global disciplines to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. What new rules are being proposed?
Success Stories
Fueling Change: The journey to end fossil fuel subsidies in Canada
How Canada became the first country in the world to introduce a framework for ending government subsidies to domestic oil and gas companies.
A Global Deal to Tackle Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: A look behind the scenes
In June 2022, World Trade Organization members reached a historic deal tackling harmful fisheries subsidies. We unpack how a global campaign by environmental non-governmental organizations and technical policy and legal advice from trade experts in Geneva helped make a difference.
Milestone Reached as WTO Global Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies Enters Into Force
The WTO’s first-ever legally binding agreement on subsidies will enter into force on September 15, 2025—a historic achievement in tackling harmful subsidies at a global scale and advancing ocean sustainability.
Insights
Mark Halle talks tough politics of subsidy reform
Twenty years ago, Mark Halle and his team launched the Global Subsidies Initiative to help governments reform harmful government support measures. In a new interview, Mark explains what has changed and how countries can advance subsidy reform.
FfD4 Countdown: Countries Must Eliminate All Public Financial Flows for Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuel subsidies undermine domestic resource mobilization goals and holds back the transition to clean energy. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in July 2025 presents a huge opportunity to redirect this money for the benefit of people and the planet.
Five Key Priorities to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Canada
As the G7 president in 2025, Canada has a pivotal opportunity to lead by fully phasing out fossil fuel supports and investing in a cleaner, more equitable future. Here are five recommendations for effective subsidy reform.