$7 trillion in global subsidies in 2022. The U.S. contributes billions, but the failure is global. And it’s sabotaging the world’s clean energy future.
FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY: THE ORIGINAL WELFARE KINGS
They call clean energy unrealistic.
They call climate action too expensive.
But they never mention this:
In 2022, the world spent $7 trillion subsidizing fossil fuels. That’s over 7% of global GDP, according to the IMF.
That includes:
- Direct payments
- Tax breaks
- Royalty relief
- Below-market leases on public land
- And unpriced externalities like pollution and climate damage
In the United States?
Annual fossil fuel subsidies range from $10 to $50 billion depending on how you count, according to analyses from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) While significant, the U.S. contribution is just a fraction of the $7 trillion global total. Still, as a wealthy nation with global influence, the U.S. has failed to lead the transition away from fossil fuels.
This isn’t support for a struggling sector. It’s a massive handout to an industry that has made record profits while destabilizing the climate.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Every dollar handed to fossil fuel companies is a dollar not invested in solar, wind, energy storage, sustainable grid upgrades, or climate resilience.
Clean energy isn’t losing the fight because it’s too new.
It’s losing because the referee keeps tipping the scale.
Politicians and pundits love to say the market should decide.
But if we let the real market operate without distortion?
Fossil fuels wouldn’t stand a chance.
THIS ISN’T JUST AN AMERICAN FAILURE
Globally, subsidies continue to prop up coal, oil, and gas even as governments pledge climate action. It’s the policy equivalent of flooring the gas while claiming to hit the brakes.
The result? Missed climate targets. Unfair competition. And a slower transition to the energy future we need.
IF YOU REALLY WANT ENERGY FREEDOM…
Then start by demanding an end to fossil fuel welfare.
Let clean energy compete on a level field.
Let truth guide policy instead of campaign donations.
And stop pretending we can solve the climate crisis while paying for the problem to continue.
