Climate change

Accountability

Background

Notes of meeting between UK Executive Director to World Bank and Civil Society Groups

On February 2nd 2011 civil society organisations held a meeting with the UK Executive Director to the World Bank and staff from the Department for International Development to discuss the formation of the new Green Climate Fund, the World Bank energy startegy review, and the role of the private sector in World Bank lending.

7 March 2011 | Minutes

Land

News

For the love of markets

As record high food prices have contributed to unrest in Egypt, Tunisia and beyond, the World Bank's unwavering faith in markets has stirred debate about how best to address the multitude of factors underlying a global crisis in food prices. Meanwhile, World Bank president Robert Zoellick continues to champion efforts to bring agriculture into carbon markets.

18 February 2011

Environment

Commentary

Bankspeak of the year 2010

Annual Bretton Woods Project award for the most incomprehensible or absurd use of language in a Bank or Fund document or speech.

17 February 2011 | Humour

Rights

News

World Bank corners climate funds?

As governments reached an agreement at the climate negotiations in Cancun in December, the World Bank continued to stir controversy as it attained a role in a new global climate fund, launched new carbon market initiatives, and touted the success of the controversial Climate Investment Funds.

17 February 2011

Infrastructure

News

Heat turned up on World Bank energy strategy

As the Bank's energy strategy approaches finalisation in mid 2011 pressure is growing on the institution to incorporate criticism by civil society groups of its current lending practices.

11 February 2011

Infrastructure

Analysis

The role of the World Bank in carbon markets

This paper outlines the World Bank's involvement in the carbon market and reviews concerns about its impacts on greenhouse gas emission reductions and development.

4 February 2011 | Briefings

Infrastructure

Analysis

Climate Investment Funds Monitor 3

The Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) are financing instruments designed to pilot low-carbon and climate-resilient development through the multilateral development banks (MDBs). They are comprised of two trust funds - the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF).

4 February 2011 | Briefings

Infrastructure

Background

Private sector investment in energy lending and climate finance

Meeting notes of 'Private sector investment in energy lending and climate finance'

30 November 2010 | Minutes

Infrastructure

News

World Bank drawing in climate funds?

A much awaited November report from the UN high level advisory group on climate change finance (AGF) drew criticism for recommending an increasing role for multilateral development banks (MDBs). The noise generated by the report also highlights concerns about the development of a new fund hoped to be decided in Cancun, additional trust funds announced at the Bank and the continued roll-out of the Bank-housed climate investment funds (CIFs).

29 November 2010

Infrastructure

Commentary

Low carbon options ensuring energy security and energy access for all

The World Bank's current energy strategy and the Bank's review of its energy sector lending strategy within the context of climate change concerns demonstrate a skewed conception of energy access, which must be addressed.

29 November 2010 | Guest comment