Huge stack of colourful empty oil barrels

IISD Global Subsidies Initiative

The International Institute for Sustainable Development’s Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) is a program designed to put the spotlight on subsidies and the corrosive effects they can have on environmental quality, economic development and governance.

Latest

Five Trends That Have Shaped Global Subsidies Over Decades

As we celebrate the Global Subsidies Initiative's 20th anniversary, we asked our experts how thinking on government support has shifted over time.

Explainer

December 16, 2025

Harmful Subsidies Explained

Twenty years ago, IISD launched the Global Subsidies Initiative. At a WTO Public Forum panel, IISD and other experts reflected on achievements, challenges, and new opportunities.

Explainer

October 1, 2025

At long last, Canada restricts oil and gas subsidies (except for all the loopholes)

Environment and Climate Minister Steven Guilbeault has unveiled detailed plans to phase out "inefficient" oil and gas subsidies, based on guidelines released yesterday morning that take effect immediately and are meant to fulfill a 14-year-old pledge by G20 countries.

IISD in the news

Corporate Knights

July 25, 2023

Heatwaves to hit China once every 5 years as global extreme weather events multiply, study finds

Record-breaking heatwaves that have scorched North America, Europe and China are set to worsen in future unless the world stops burning fossil fuels, according to a study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) academic initiative.

IISD in the news

South China Morning Post

July 25, 2023

Canada to Cut Oil & Gas Subsidies

The Canadian federal government has implemented a framework to revoke subsidies for fossil fuels that are deemed inefficient. However, the framework lacks details on the specific subsidies to be eliminated and does not provide a dollar amount for the cuts. Canada, as the fourth-largest oil producer in the world, is the first country to comply with a 2009 pledge made by the Group of Twenty (G20) nations. The government plans to exempt oil and gas projects that have plans to reduce emissions and utilize carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault stated that the objective is for federal support to be directed only towards projects that decarbonize the sector and result in significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

IISD in the news

EnergyPortal.eu

July 24, 2023

Canada Bans Some Fossil Fuel Subsidies, Meeting Decade-Old G-20 Pledge

Canada revealed new rules to ban some fossil fuel subsidies, targeting those that unfairly advantage oil and gas, solely support sector activities or endorse consumption of fuels that worsen climate change.

IISD in the news

Bloomberg

July 24, 2023

Canada releases framework to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies

Canada on Monday released a framework for eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, making it the first G20 country to deliver on a 2009 commitment to rationalise and phase out government support for the sector.

IISD in the news

Reuters

July 24, 2023

Ottawa révèle les conditions pour autoriser les futures subventions aux combustibles fossiles (in French)

Ottawa restreint les conditions dans lesquelles il autorisera les subventions à l’industrie des combustibles fossiles, mais laisse intacte – pour l’instant – la plus grande source de financement public de l’industrie.

IISD in the news

News24

July 24, 2023

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Climate