In March, the World Bank launched its new Africa strategy, outlining three main areas in which it will focus its operations: competitiveness and employment, vulnerability and resilience of citizens, and governance and public sector capacity.
Energy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Infrastructure
Background
Private sector investment in energy lending and climate finance
Meeting notes of 'Private sector investment in energy lending and climate finance'
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).
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.
Environment
News
National responses to World Bank's energy strategy review
An October report by UK NGO Christian Aid, Energy for our common future, brings together responses by civil society groups in India, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa to the World Bank's energy strategy review.
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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.