In 1998, the leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) committed to actions that would help to protect the world's forests. It is not, however, what these governments (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) say, but how they spend their money that indicates their true commitment to policy positions. Unfortunately, some G8 members undermine forest protection with subsidy programs that accelerate forest loss. This forest note surveys some of these harmful G8 subsidies, explaining why such payments are not justified and suggesting actions that the G8 should take if forests are to be conserved and managed for future generations.