Energy subsidies sizeable worldwide and projected to stay high
China top subsidizer in dollar terms, Ukraine in percent of GDP, and Qatar in per capita terms
Countries can reap fiscal and environment gains by reforming energy subsidies
Energy subsidies are projected at US$5.3 trillion in 2015, or 6.5 percent of global GDP, according to a recent IMF study. Most of this arises from countries setting energy taxes below levels that fully reflect the environmental damage associated with energy consumption.
The last time Site C was fully reviewed by the BC Utilities Commission, it was 1983. The commission investigated for just over a year and ultimately concluded that Site C was unneeded and recommended BC Hydro begin investigating alternative energy sources in earnest.
Thirty-four years later, with sunk costs increasing every day, the Site C review ordered this week by the new NDP government has an unusual urgency. But the questions on the dam’s economics are complex with a huge amount of data to be examined. The review needs to be quick, but not too quick.
Canadian authorities are seeking to beef up their oversight of publicly-traded companies so that they come clean about the costs of doing business on a warming planet.
Analysis of world’s lenders reveals many claim green credentials while still financing fuels like tar sands, oil and coal
June 21, 2017 - Some of the world’s top banks are continuing to lend tens of billions for extracting the most carbon-intensive fossil fuels, according to a report of top lenders.
OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – The country’s highest court has ruled against two First Nations hoping to delay the controversial Site C dam project. It will not hear appeals from the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations which had been asking for a judicial review of the mega-project which they feel was done without proper consultation.
The scientific debate about the feasibility of a full transition to renewable energy is suddenly becoming heated. Yet it may somehow be missing the point.
A large crowd gathered outside BC Hydro’s offices in Vancouver to protests the Site C dam Thursday, and Gordon August says awareness of the project is growing.A large crowd gathered outside BC Hydro’s offices in Vancouver to protests the Site C dam Thursday, and Gordon August says awareness of the project is growing.
The Site C dam has become top of mind to British Columbians after a historic election that has left the project’s – and government’s – future in flux.
Dimitri L.: This is Dimitri Lascaris for The Real News in Vancouver, British Columbia. I'm here today with Eugene Kung, a staff lawyer with the West Coast Environmental Law Group. Eugene specializes in aboriginal and natural resources law. Thanks very much for joining us today.
Eugene Kung: Thank you for having me.
Dimitri L.: Eugene, why don't you just start by telling us a little bit about West Coast Environmental Law. What does the organization do? What is the nature of the practice?
