Donors have pledged $6.2 billion to the World Bank hosted Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) making them big players in current climate finance. The last three months have seen the Scaling Up Renewable Energy programme launched, new country investment plans endorsed by the Clean Technology Fund, and pilot countries selected for the Forest Investment Programme. A discussion paper, commissioned by the CIFs Administrative Unit has begun to look at lessons that can be learnt and incorporated in the rol
Climate change
Accountability
Background
Informal discussion between Rachel Kyte, IFC's Vice President for Business Advisory Services, and NG
Discussion of IFC and the financial crisis, climate change, performance standards and financial intermediaries
Environment
News
The World Bank's conflicted role in energy
A spat between the US administration and some middle and low income shareholders highlights political tensions carried over from Copenhagen climate talks. And while the Bank showcases its 'clean' energy investments, projects in the pipeline for 2010 look set to continue large-scale investment in fossil fuels.
Infrastructure
Commentary
Human rights and the World Bank's energy policy
If the World Bank is a global inter-governmental institution devoted to reducing poverty, then its global duty should be to focus on achieving energy access for the poor, and certainly for the most vulnerable amongst the poor.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank prospects for climate finance, others weigh innovative sources
Leaked documents reveal that the World Bank is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Copenhagen Accord on climate change and is optimistic that it will play a leading role in future climate finance. Meanwhile, the looming gaps in finance left unresolved in Copenhagen are turning attention to proposals for innovative sources, including those that involve the controversial the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Environment
News
The World Bank and climate negotiations: updates from Copenhagen
News and analysis from in and around the UN climate talks in Copenhagen - frequently updated.
Accountability
Analysis
Don't bank on it! Challenging the World Bank's role in future climate finance
Despite a superficial 'climate makeover', UK civil society organisations conclude that the World Bank is still a long way from operating in transparent, participatory and accountable ways, or lending upon a truly green portfolio, and therefore should not be trusted with the world's climate funds. Furthermore, the form and functions of a climate finance institution should first be defined and criteria should be established for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) partie
Environment
Analysis
Expanding global cooperation on climate justice
Mary Robinson and Alice M Miller outline how a human rights framework should be an essential tool in designing strategies, programmes and institutions to help nations mitigate and adapt to climate change. They focus on institutional issues including the role played by the World Bank and highlight reforms needed. Finally they call for building stronger bridges between human rights and development, and between those working on social justice and environmental justice.
Environment
Analysis
The World Bank's new energy strategy
As the World Bank prepares to revise its energy strategy, Oliver Johnson of the Sussex Energy Group (Science and Technology Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex), reviews the Bank's chequered history in this sector. The conflicting agendas for energy are drawn out, and principles suggested to guide the Bank's support for low-carbon development.
Infrastructure
News
Burning controversy over Bank and environment
Hot on the heels of the start of its energy strategy review the Bank has launched a review of its 2001 environment strategy but continues to come under fire over its green record.
Featured briefings
6 April 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2022
8 December 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2021
8 November 2021
IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.