Before changing policy influenced by lobby groups ... and then still find it difficult to nudge the electorate to much needed major overhaul of consumerism and faultlines in capitalism.

Europe providing more than €112 billion a year in fossil fuel subsidies, with almost half benefitting the transport sector - new report | Sept. 2017 |

A new report by the Overseas Development Institute and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe has for the first time gathered detailed information on the support provided to fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal from 11 European countries and the EU between 2014 and 2016.

Experts found the transport sector was the main beneficiary, with more than €49bn used to support the use of fossil fuels, including tax breaks to reduce the price of diesel. Overall, the transport sector received 44% of the total government support identified.

Researchers warn that these tax breaks continue to encourage the use of diesel, at a time when the costs to health from air pollution have become more apparent. This also discourages the switch to low-carbon transport, including electric vehicles.

Lead author Shelagh Whitley, Head of Climate and Energy at ODI, said: "The air pollution crisis in cities across Europe and the recent diesel emissions testing scandal have rightly led to increased pressure for governments to act, yet our analysis shows European countries are providing enormous fossil fuel subsidies to the transport sector.

'Sapere aude'