Environment

Environment

News

Carbon capture

The World Bank has revealed details of its new climate change strategy, including promotion of carbon markets despite concerns from indigenous groups. While new conversations about the Bank's energy investments are anticipated, further criticisms were made over its involvement in fossil fuels and hydropower projects

8 April 2013

Environment

Commentary

Dr Kim, where is Mongolia's economic diversification?

In late February the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) boards decided to spearhead a $4 billion dollar syndicated loan to a copper, gold and silver mine located in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. An increasing number of people believe that it is going to lead Mongolia to dependence on one product and one corporation, driving the country into deep insecurity.

8 April 2013 | Guest comment

Environment

News

IFC-funded mines: still courting controversy

Following a year of violence associated with IFC-funded mining projects, the IFC's mining investments in Guatemala, Mongolia, Peru and Colombia are still provoking controversy.

13 February 2013

IFI governance

News

World Bank's safeguards review extended

The first phase of the Bank's safeguard review has been extended to mid-April with global consultations planned, including on seven emerging areas.

12 February 2013

Accountability

News

A forest of failures

A leaked copy of an evaluation of the Bank's forest strategy criticises the Bank's failure to address social and environmental goals. Further criticism has also been raised over the Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF).

12 February 2013

Environment

News

Getting its hands dirty

As the World Bank president became more vocal about climate change, concerns remain about the Bank's involvement in fossil fuels, including projects in Mongolia and Central Asia, and questions have been raised about its accountability for hydro projects in India and Guatemala.

12 February 2013

Accountability

News

Inspection Panel examines Afghan mining project

The World Bank's Inspection Panel compliance body received two complaints in December relating to the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Project in Afghanistan.

12 February 2013

Accountability

News

ICSID billion dollar cases prompt criticism

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), an arm of

12 February 2013

Environment

Commentary

Bankspeak of the year 2012

Every year the Bretton Woods Project celebrates the best specimens of incomprehensible jargon and ridiculous rhetoric issued by World Bank and IMF staff and financial commentators in the cause of IFI business.

12 February 2013 | Humour

Rights

Background

UK civil society meeting with UK World Bank Executive Director Gwen Hines

Notes of a meeting with UK executive director to the World Bank Gwen Hines in December 2012

7 January 2013 | Minutes