OECD: leading countries spend $200bn a year subsidising fossil fuels

Thinktank says member states and six biggest emerging economies should use sum to tackle climate change instead

Rich western countries and the world's leading developing nations are spending up to $200bn (130bn) a year subsidising fossil fuels, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The Paris-based thinktank said its 34 members plus six of the biggest emerging economies - China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa - were spending money supporting the consumption and production of coal, oil and gas that should be used to tackle climate change.