Philip Gass is Lead, Transitions in the IISD Energy program. His recent work has focused on development of fiscal policy approaches that facilitate GHG mitigation including carbon pricing and subsidy reform.
Phil also works directly on economic models that promote sustainability including the green economy, circular economy, and just transitions. In Indonesia he has focused on strategies to shift from coal to renewable energy and in Canada his recent work has included efforts to encourage producer and consumer fossil fuel subsidy reform. He has a background in political economy and stakeholder engagement, having worked in a legislative setting in Canada prior to joining IISD.
All Publications
- Green Strings: Principles and conditions for a green recovery from COVID-19 in Canada
Report - June 8, 2020
Endorsed by Canada's leading environmental groups, this paper sets out seven "green strings" recommendations: key principles, criteria and conditionalities to apply to government measures to ensure a green recovery from COVID-19. - We May Be in Uncharted Waters, But We Aren’t Lost at Sea
Blog - June 8, 2020
When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, governments around the world began structuring stimulus plans. We can learn a lot by looking back at how effective these turned out to be. - Canada's Federal Fossil Fuel Subsidies in 2020
Report - February 19, 2020
Federal fossil fuel subsidies in Canada reached at least CAD 600 million in 2019, but more transparency is needed from government to understand the full picture. - Current Status of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs)
Commentary - December 11, 2019
This commentary highlights the current status of negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement heading into COP 25. - Locked In and Losing Out: British Columbia’s fossil fuel subsidies
Report - November 19, 2019
British Columbia's fossil fuel subsidies reached CAD 830 million in 2017–2018, and new subsidies continue to be introduced. This report identifies provincial subsidies and calls on the province to undertake subsidy reform. - Sustainable Watersheds for Carbon Offsets: Biomass harvesting for phosphorus capture, habitat renewal and carbon emissions reductions
Report - November 18, 2019
We have been exploring new and innovative practices to reduce flood impacts and nutrient loading, as well as to reduce carbon emissions, in the Lake Winnipeg watershed through better water retention management, and the harvest and use of sustainable wetland biomass. - Indonesians Are Demanding Climate Action — How can the government answer their calls?
Blog - October 17, 2019
Thousands of people, youth especially, are calling for Indonesia and countries around the world to live up to their commitments on climate change. - Getting to 23 Per Cent: Strategies to scale up renewables in Indonesia
Report - September 19, 2019
This report addresses seven concrete ways in which the Indonesian government can overcome the existing obstacles and make significant progress to grow renewable energy before 2025. - Tackling Coal-Driven Air Pollution in China and India: Lessons learned for Indonesia
Report - September 12, 2019
Although air pollution in China and India is currently heavier than in Indonesia, these two countries have been giving more attention to tackling it. Given Indonesia’s very large coal growth projections and current level of air pollution, lessons can be learned from both China and India when it comes to addressing air pollution. - The (Public) Cost of Pollution: Ontario's fossil fuel subsidies
Report - July 30, 2019
This report provides an inventory of fossil fuel subsidies in Ontario and provides recommendations for provincial subsidy reform. - Raising Ambition Through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform: Greenhouse gas emissions results modelling from 26 countries
Report - July 7, 2019
This working paper models 26 countries and finds national average emission reductions of 6 per cent from the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. For every tonne of CO2e removed through FFSR, governments save an average of USD 93. Global emission reductions from reforms are between 6.4 and 8.2 per cent by 2050. Countries can consider the carbon reduction co-benefits from FFSR and taxation within second-generation Nationally Determined Contributions. - How Will the Circular Economy Impact Jobs?
Blog - June 6, 2019
New research digs into some of the possible job impacts if a country like Finland fully embraces a circular economy model. - In Search of Just Transition: Examples From Around the World
Blog - April 8, 2019
What is a just transition? Essentially, it’s a balancing act. - Emission Omissions: Carbon accounting gaps in the built environment
Report - April 2, 2019
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies are the best tool we have to measure the carbon footprints of building products at each phase of their lifespan, but they have some flaws. - Good COP, Bad COP: Reflections from a climate change conference
Blog - December 14, 2018
Stresses and worries after the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 24) in Katowice, Poland, comes to an end... but hope, too. - Real People, Real Change: Strategies for just energy transitions
Report - December 5, 2018
This report aims to support governments in their endeavour to make energy transitions just, building on research and case studies in Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Poland and Ukraine. - The End of Coal? What to Watch for at the Upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP24)
Blog - November 27, 2018
While COP24 was always intended to be a "technical" conference—with parties focused on finalizing the details required to operationalize the Paris Agreement—there is potential for a strong political element to the discussion. - Public Cash for Oil and Gas: Mapping federal fiscal support for fossil fuels
Report - September 13, 2018
This report examines the inventory of federal fossil fuel subsidies in Canada - Economic Instruments to Leverage Clean Energy Investment
Report - August 11, 2018
There is widespread recognition that the bulk of the investment needed to meet the Paris objectives and SDGs will have to come from private... - New poll shows Canadians want to end public subsidies for oil and gas companies
Report - June 6, 2018
New polling shows that Canadians are strongly opposed to federal and provincial governments using public dollars to subsidize oil and gas companies. - Carbon Pricing: Busting four major myths
Blog - April 17, 2018
We break down four common myths about renewable energy and carbon pricing. Feel free to use these facts next time someone tells you that coal is the future or that carbon pricing is just a hoax invented to increase your taxes. - Les subventions du gouvernement à la consommation et au développement d'hydrocarbures au Québec
Report - March 22, 2018
De 2011-12 à 2016-17, le gouvernement du Québec a ainsi versé en moyenne 300 millions de dollars par année en allègement à la taxe sur les carburants, des mesures qui vont à l’encontre d’une diminution de la consommation d’hydrocarbures. - Missing the 23 Per Cent Target: Roadblocks to the development of renewable energy in Indonesia
Report - February 22, 2018
This report seeks to answer the question of why renewable energy deployment, particularly wind and solar, has not taken off in Indonesia. To understand the forces shaping the sector, and what can be done to remedy the situation, IISD conducted interviews with politicians, civil servants, industry representatives, renewable energy developers, civil society organizations, international donors and other stakeholders. A total of 26 interviews took place, revealing the roots of the problem, the broader political economy of the energy sector and some possible ways forward. - Indonesia Energy Subsidy News Briefing January 2018
Policy Brief - January 26, 2018
This update provides a look at State Budgets from 2017 and 2018, as well as an assessment of liquefied petroleum gas, coal, transport fuels and electricity subsidies. A list of recent GSI reports and commentaries is also included. - Looking Back on the “Caterpillar COP”
Blog - December 5, 2017
Was COP 23 really the 'Caterpillar COP'? Phil Gass and Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun take look back, and remind us that caterpillars are ultimately destined to emerge as butterflies... - Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform and the Just Transition: Integrating approaches for complementary outcomes
Report - December 4, 2017
This paper goes into detail about the various ways in which FFSR can be consistent with just transition. The scale of current fossil fuel subsidies in the world coupled with the massive financial needs for transition are early indicators of the benefits of approaching FFSR with just transition in mind. - Cities and Smart Grids in Canada
Report - September 21, 2017
This report looks specifically at smart grids within the context of grid modernization and urban settings in Canada. - North American Energy Integration: Assessing oil and gas policy issues ahead of NAFTA renegotiation
Report - August 16, 2017
Mexico, Canada and the United States stand to benefit from increasing energy sector interconnectedness and coordination. What key environmental and fiscal policy areas related to oil and gas development provide opportunities for further harmonization? - Financial Supports for Coal and Renewables in Indonesia
Report - May 31, 2017
This report shows that the “true cost” of coal, including subsidies and externalities such as GHG emissions and air pollution, is considerably greater than the cost of renewable energy in Indonesia. - How to Respond When Prices Go Up: Objectives and options for fuel price adjustments in Indonesia
Policy Brief - May 31, 2017
There are options to strengthen the fuel pricing mechanism in Indonesia. This policy brief highlights some options, including price smoothing, ratcheting and installation of price floors and caps, closing with recommendations. - Making the Switch: From fossil fuel subsidies to sustainable energy
Report - May 11, 2017
This report estimates fossil fuel subsidies to be around USD 425 billion. Such subsidies represent large lost opportunities for governments to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable development. - Costing Energy and Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Nunavut: A mapping exercise
Report - April 12, 2017
This report, entitled Costing Energy and Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Nunavut, was commissioned by World Wildlife Fund Canada and undertaken by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. - Reactions to Canada's Climate Change Framework: Electricity
Blog - December 15, 2016
In the second of a series of blog posts on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Phil Gass explores what the framework will mean for the electricity sector. - As Wind Power Expands in China—What's Been Learned?
Blog - September 15, 2016
Over the past decade, wind power has taken off in China. We explore the challenges China has faced linked this rapid growth. - Wind Power in China: A cautionary tale
Report - September 2, 2016
This reports looks at some of the challenges that China has faced in expanding wind power. It identifies the ways that the government has sought to address these challenges and offers recommendations to support expanded wind power in China and elsewhere. - Unpacking Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies
FAQ - August 30, 2019
Oil, gas and coal are multi-billion-dollar industries, and every year fossil fuel companies get billions in tax breaks and handouts that increase their profits even further. This website was created to cut through the jargon, so you can understand what’s really happening, debate it, and propose solutions for Canadians and Canada’s economy. - Stories of Coal Phase-Out: Lessons learned for China
Report - August 29, 2016
This report offers a summary of several countries’ experiences implementing energy policy shifts in an area of particular interest to China: the transition away from coal to cleaner fuels and a low-carbon economy. - Meeting Canada's Subsidy Phase-Out Goal: What it means in Saskatchewan
Commentary - August 29, 2016
This commentary takes a very preliminary look at consumer fossil fuel subsidies in Saskatchewan. Our initial research identifies roughly CAD 182 million in 2015 in the form of financial supports for the consumption of fossil fuels. - Meeting Canada's Subsidy Phase-Out Goal: What it means in Ontario
Commentary - June 8, 2016
IISD examines some of the fossil fuel subsidies in place in Ontario, how the government is responding to them and where more can be done. - Supporting Energy Pricing Reform and Carbon Pricing Policies Through Crediting
Report - May 17, 2016
This study examines the role that policy crediting might play in increasing the mitigation impact of energy pricing reform and carbon pricing policies. - Fiscal Instruments in INDCs: How countries are looking to fiscal policies to support INDC implementation
Paper - December 19, 2015
Countries are increasingly turning to the use of fiscal instruments to support low-carbon development and efforts to reduce emissions. - Canadian Climate Change Policy: Lessons from the provinces
Blog - November 17, 2015
At the tail end of November, Canada’s newly-elected Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, will attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate... - North American Climate and Energy Policy—The Case for Better Coherence
Blog - November 4, 2015
Canada is at a crossroads. A newly elected government has committed to do more than its predecessor to address climate change. - Fossil fuel subsidy reform in Canada: A post-partisan issue
Blog - September 4, 2015
Almost unnoticed in Canada’s federal election campaign is the fact that all national political parties have agreed on the need to reform fossil... - Fossil fuel subsidy reform – turning the tide?
Blog - August 6, 2015
The recent announcement from UAE that it will reform domestic fossil fuel subsidies is the latest in a growing number of countries taking the opportunity to reform subsidies within the energy sector. - Towards a Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Ontario: IISD input to MOECC’s Climate Change Discussion Paper
Paper - April 13, 2015
The Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change released its Ontario Climate Change Discussion Paper 2015. This brief outlines IISD’s... - Cattail Biomass in a Watershed-Based Bioeconomy: Commercial-scale harvesting and processing for nutrient capture, biocarbon and high-value bioproducts
Paper - February 2, 2015
One of the fundamental insights of the Watershed-Bioeconomy research is that phosphorus, the nutrient responsible for fouling Lake Winnipeg and... - The United States and China’s New Climate Change Commitments: Elements, implications and reactions
Paper - November 19, 2014
On November 11, 2014 the United States and China announced a bilateral agreement to cooperate on clean energy development and mitigate greenhouse... - A Climate Gift or a Lump of Coal? The emission impacts of Canadian and U.S. greenhouse gas regulations in the electricity sector
Paper - September 18, 2014
On June 2, 2014, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed regulations for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from... - Regulating Carbon Emissions in Canada: Climate Policy Year in Review and Trends, 2013
Paper - March 11, 2014
Dave Sawyer and Philip Gass have developed this piece as a year in review and a look forward to trends emerging for 2014 with regards to climate... - Cattails Harvesting for Carbon Offsets and Nutrient Capture: A "Lake Friendly" greenhouse gas project
Paper - September 20, 2013
The Cattail Biomass Harvesting project is pursuing and evaluating the commercial-scale harvesting of cattail (Typha spp.) for its multiple co... - Cattail (Typha spp.) Harvesting in Manitoba: A legislative and market analysis for operationalization and carbon emission offsets
Paper - July 24, 2013
Research findings from the Netley-Libau Nutrient-Bioenergy project are encouraging replication of the cattail harvesting concept in areas in the... - Obama's Climate Change Strategy: Details, response and implications for Canada
Paper - July 12, 2013
In June 2013 President Obama announced his administration's plan for dealing with the issue of climate change over his second term.This policy... - Ontario Moving in the Right Direction on Climate Policy: IISD input on climate policy design to the Ministry of the Environment
Paper - April 23, 2013
A proposed move by Ontario to establish elements of a carbon pricing system is a major step forward for climate policy.This move forward could... - Canadian Carbon Policy Year in Review and Emerging Trends, 2012
Paper - February 16, 2013
Carbon policy in Canada went through an important transition in 2012.The federal government began to fully assert its vision of carbon policy,... - Regulating Carbon in Canada Divergent Approaches: Greenhouse gas mitigation in Canada and Australia
Paper - November 19, 2012
With the release of Lessons for Canada: Implementation of Australia's Carbon Pricing Mechanism, IISD has developed a companion piece to provide... - IISD Submission to the British Columbia Carbon Tax Review
Paper - August 31, 2012
British Columbia has undertaken a review of its current carbon tax structure.IISD offered this submission during the open comment period to offer... - Peering over the Ledge and Stepping Back (Again): The Bonn Climate Change Conference May 2012
Paper - June 13, 2012
While the COP 17 outcomes did provide some clarity as to what Parties were striving to develop in response to climate change.It was (as it always... - Africa Transformation-Ready: The strategic application of information and communication technologies to climate change adaptation in Africa
Paper - March 6, 2012
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have had an increasing impact on economic and social development over the past two decades,... - Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue
Paper - October 14, 2010
This paper, prepared by IISD for the Banff Dialogue on a Canadian National Clean Energy Strategy, examines the state of the national debate between... - Canada's Role in the Global Energy Picture: Making the case for a more coherent national energy approach
Paper - October 14, 2010
This paper, prepared by IISD for the Banff Dialogue on a Canadian National Clean Energy Strategy, examines Canada's place in the global energy... - Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada's role in going forward
Paper - October 14, 2010
This paper, prepared by IISD for the Banff Dialogue on a Canadian National Clean Energy Strategy, looks at the current global energy picture and... - Manitoba Adaptation Day: Understanding Manitoba-focused Adaptation Activities, Research and Capacity – Workshop Report
Paper - December 7, 2009
IISD Climate and Energy team members planned and facilitated a workshop intended to bring together key Manitoba-based academics, researchers,... - Status of the UNFCCC Negotiations: Outcomes of the Bonn Climate Change Talks
Paper - October 15, 2009
This paper provides an overview of the status of the international climate change negotiations, with an emphasis on the outcomes of the Bonn... - Financing for Developing Countries
Paper - October 15, 2009
This background paper describes the role and profile of climate change financing for developing countries in a new international post-2012 climate... - Environmental Policies under an Obama Administration: Is Change in the Air?
Commentary - February 4, 2009
The day after Barack Obama's November 4, 2008, election victory, EM asked leaders within the Air & Waste Management Association and the...