Homepage

Placing a spotlight on subsidies

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

About the GSI

Fossil-Fuel Subsidies

For decades, fossil-fuel subsidies have encouraged wasteful spending and harmful emissions. In September 2009, the G-20 agreed to phase them out. GSI research uncovers the characteristics of fossil-fuel subsidies and lessons for reform.

Fossil-Fuel Subsidies

Biofuel Subsidies

Government support for biofuels has soared in recent years as policy makers have sought ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially petroleum.

Biofuel Subsidies

Irrigation Subsidies

In a number of countries, irrigation subsidies comprise a significant portion of a country's budgetary expenditure, and may contribute to the depletion of scarce water supplies.

Irrigation Subsidies

Investment Incentives

Investment incentives, designed to affect the location of investments, are widely used by governments, yet it is difficult to estimate the total amount of investment incentives due to a lack of transparency.