(November 28, 2012) TORONTO – As another United Nations Climate Change Conference gets under way in Qatar, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) criticized G20 leaders for failing to hold up their commitment to phase out the costly fossil fuel subsidies that hurt developing economies and slow the development of alternative fuels. According to the IEA, fossil fuel subsidies reached over half a trillion dollars this past year, with latest estimates showing subsidies reaching $523 billion in 2011, up from $412 billion in 2010.

Despite the G20 nations committing to eliminate unnecessary fossil fuel subsidies at the 2009 Pittsburgh G20 Summit, these subsidies have increased almost 30%. In 2009 when the commitment to eliminate subsidies to both consumption and production were made, fossil fuel subsidies were at $300 billion, they are nearly double that today.

“A $111 billion increase in subsidies in one year underscores the importance of phasing these subsidies out as quickly as possible. It is somewhat perverse that the world continues to subsidize the consumption and production of crude oil at a time of near record oil prices,” said Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance.

Last year the IEA forecasted that fossil fuel subsidies could rise to $660 billion by 2020 if G20 countries did not take immediate action to phase these subsidies out. G20 nations along with the rest of the world are currently meeting in Qatar at the United Nations Climate Change Conference where the issue of fossil fuel subsidies is not on the agenda.

“The IEA has committed to raising the issue of fossil fuel subsidies in Qatar and the GRFA applauds their efforts. However, this should not detract from the fact that the G20 has failed to meet their commitment to phase subsidies out. In fact, since making the commitment to phase these distorting subsidies out, they have almost doubled,” said Bliss Baker.

“If the UN and the rest of the world want to combat climate change, the UN Climate Change Conference in Qatar is the opportunity to show leadership and end these never ending subsidies to fossil fuels and move beyond crude oil to a world with sustainable alternatives such as biofuels,” concluded Mr. Baker.

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries. Through the development of new technologies and best practices, the Alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint.

For More Information Please Contact:
Bliss Baker
Global Renewable Fuels Alliance
Work: (Country Code “1”) 416-847-6497
Mobile: 647-309-0058
Email: info@globalrfa.org
www.globalrfa.org

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