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.
Energy
Environment
News
IFC lends a hand in great "land grab"
As the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, announces plans to increase investment in agribusiness by up to 30 per cent in the next three years, NGO reports shed light on the IFC's role in 'land grabs' and flaws in its approach to the food crisis.
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.
Environment
Background
Consultation meeting on World Bank environmental strategy
Summary of the first consultation on their new environment strategy, which they will develop next year.
Infrastructure
Background
Climate Change, Finance and the Multilateral Development Banks Panel
At the World Bank's annual meetings, the World Resources Institute hosted a panel on climate finance which culminated in a presentation and comments by Michele DeNevers, senior manager of the World Bank's Environment Department on the World Bank's role in climate change and climate finance.
Accountability
Background
Safeguard policies and performance standards
Originally drafted as internal operational policies to guide staff, World Bank safeguard policies evolved after pressure from environmental and social groups in the 1980s and were first officially implemented in 1998. They aim to protect people and the environment from the adverse effects of Bank-financed operations and are based on international agreements, even if these protections are not explicitly provided for in the borrower country's national law.
Infrastructure
News
Jockeying for position over World Bank's role as climate talks near
With roughly two months until the Copenhagen climate negotiations commence, questions loom about quantities of climate finance and which institutions will channel it, leaving speculation about the role the World Bank will end up playing
Environment
News
Business as usual?
The World Bank's planned energy strategy review focusses on energy access for the poor and environmental sustainability, but NGOs fear it will justify continued fossil fuel finance.
Infrastructure
News
Are we nearly there? Building future climate finance architecture
On September 8, 2009, representatives from UK NGOs met with officials from DFID, DECC and Treasury to discuss climate finance issues using "Are we Nearly There? Bridging UK supported funds and a post 2012 climate architecture", a report prepared by members of Bond's Development and Environment Group and the Bretton Woods Project as a point of departure.
Infrastructure
News
Controversy over REDD credits
An article in the Economist highlights that no market has been formalised for trading carbon credits generated by programmes for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)
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.