Rather than building momentum towards COP27 through delivering strong policies and a harmonized approach to implementing the collective promise to end international public finance for fossil fuels by the end of 2022, the Summit was overshadowed by backsliding.
Netherlands
Shell’s Fossil Fuel Production: Still Pushing The World Towards Climate Chaos
Since May 2021, Shell has expressed interest to develop ten new oil and gas extraction assets, which could lock in additional CO2 pollution (325 million metric tonnes) two times greater than the Netherlands’ total CO2 emissions in 2021.
Release: Shell snubs climate case verdict and continues drilling for more
Despite the ongoing climate crisis, Shell continues to develop new oil and gas assets. Since the Dutch court ruling in May 2021, Shell has made definitive investments in 10 assets, which once burned will result in 325 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. Shell also co-owns more than 750 untapped oil and gas assets, which would amount to 4.3 billion metric tonnes of extra CO2 emissions, 30 times more than the total emissions from the Netherlands in 2021.
CSOs say E3F countries need to act with urgency and integrity to meet commitments to end export finance for fossil fuels
The time has come for ambitious E3F action, not just ambitious words. We do not want to see a year of vague compromises and exceptions that water the commitment down and lead to continued support for fossil fuels, such as gas – as this not only puts the climate at risks, it also locks countries in the south into fossil dependence with all the economic risks that come along.
New research: E3F countries need to shift their EUR 20 billion in export finance for fossil fuels to renewables
A policy brief released today by OCI and ODI shows that despite their commitment to align financial flows with climate goals under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015, the E3F countries still provided €20 billion in export finance for fossil fuel projects abroad between 2018 and 2020.
Germany joins commitment to end international oil, gas, coal finance, bringing total for potential finance shifted to USD 21.7 billion per year
This increases the number of signatories to 29 and the annual average of potential public finance shifted out of fossil fuels and into clean energy to at least USD 21.7 billion per year.
Netherlands joins commitment to end international oil, gas, and coal finance, leaving Germany and France lagging behind
Last Thursday on November 4, 25 countries and institutions committed to end international public finance for unabated oil, gas, and coal by the end of 2022 at the United Nations climate conference in Scotland (COP26). Today, the Netherlands has confirmed that it will also join the initiative.
Is this even legal? Governments propping up fossil fuel production with public money.
Despite the need to rapidly wind-down fossil fuels to avert the worst of the climate crisis, governments worldwide continue to prop up fossil fuel production with huge sums of public money. They may be breaking international law.
Past Time for Action: Subsidies and Public Finance for Fossil Fuels in the Netherlands
Amidst a climate crisis and global pandemic, it’s essential that countries develop public finance packages that phase out fossil fuel production and invest in a just, green transition toward renewable energy that benefits communities and industry workers. While the Netherlands has committed to redirect financial flows from fossil fuels to climate action, this report reveals that the Dutch Government continues to provide billions — at least €8.3 billion per year — in taxpayer backed support for the production and use of fossil fuels.
Report: The Netherlands fails to meet 2020 deadline for ending fossil fuel subsidies
Amidst a climate crisis and global pandemic, a new analysis from Friends of the Earth Netherlands and Oil Change International reveals that the Dutch government continues to provide billions — at least €8.3 billion per year — in taxpayer backed support for the production and use of fossil fuels. By ending fossil fuel subsidies, the Netherlands could free up resources to invest in a just and green recovery from COVID-19, whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7% by 2025.
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