World Bank Archives

As Trump upends aid and markets, who will pay for green development in Global South?

Ahead of key donor meetings, experts say a combination of debt relief, private investment and innovative sources of finance could help fill the gap

Apr 25, 2024

Will blossom of reform bear fruit? Spring Meetings leave too much to do

Changes are afoot at the IMF and World Bank – but debt-squeezed developing nations need far faster access to more finance for climate action

Apr 16, 2024

Comment

Fossil fuel debts are illegitimate and must be cancelled

The Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF are a chance to transform outstanding debts for fossil fuel projects into grants for renewable energy systems

Apr 16, 2024

Investigations

World Bank climate funding greens African hotels while fishermen sink

Climate Home reveals that the World Bank Group has counted support for luxury hotels as climate finance, which experts say fails the most vulnerable

Apr 10, 2024

Comment

Spring Meetings can jump-start financial reform for food and climate

The World Bank and IMF have a big part to play in raising the $3 trillion needed to help countries meet global development goals and the Paris accord

Oct 13, 2023

World Bank approves green reforms, appeals for more money

While technical tweaks should make the World Bank’s capital go further, their impact depends on shareholders injecting fresh funds

Oct 12, 2023

Saudi Arabia, Russia urge World Bank to keep funding fossil fuels

Major oil and gas producers hit back at World Bank reforms that aim to channel more money into clean energy

Oct 11, 2023

World Bank targets dirty subsidies to fund climate action

The World Bank says it will try to get governments to stop spending public money making fossil fuels artificially cheap

Jun 27, 2023

Public banks agree to check investments against countries’ climate plans

Ten multilateral development banks have agreed on how to make sure their investments meet climate goals. But experts told Climate Home the rules do not go far enough.

Jun 22, 2023

World Bank to suspend debt repayments for disaster-hit countries

A pause on loan repayments can give vulnerable countries breathing space when hit by a natural catastrophe

Jun 8, 2023

Carbon markets

World Bank set to take on risk of insuring carbon credits amid market upheaval

As a growing number of developing countries tighten control over carbon markets, MIGA plans to step in to provide political risk insurance and facilitate investments.

May 25, 2023

Nature

World Bank body delays vote on controversial loan to Brazilian dairy firm

Campaigners say the $32m loan to dairy firm Alvoar Lacteos could damage forests in Brazil

Apr 14, 2023

Saudi Arabia, Russia push for more World Bank money into carbon capture

At a meeting discussing the World Bank’s stronger focus on climate, Russia has also urged the lender to extend its support for gas projects.

Apr 14, 2023

World Bank’s baby steps – Climate Weekly

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Apr 13, 2023

Developing countries call for new government funds for World Bank

Developing nations have called for a capital increase for the World Bank, while rich nations want to stick to accounting tweaks.

Apr 13, 2023

World Bank steering committee and US urge for reforms on climate lending

At the World Bank’s spring meeting, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for the adoption of a reform that would free up funds for climate lending.

Apr 6, 2023

What’s at stake for climate at the World Bank’s spring meeting?

The World Bank controls tens of billions of dollars which can make a real difference in the fight against climate change. A coalition of nations is pushing for green reforms.

Apr 6, 2023

World Bank’s private sector arm to stop supporting new coal

The International Finance Corporation is closing a loophole that allowed its financial clients to continue funding new coal projects

Mar 6, 2023

World Bank backs mega dam threatening to displace thousands in Mozambique

The World Bank argues the project will accelerate the energy transition in southern Africa, but people facing displacement say their voices are not being heard

Feb 23, 2023

US backs Ajay Banga to lead World Bank in climate fight

The Indian-American businessman is likely to become the bank’s next president, as the US traditionally chooses who leads the institution

Feb 23, 2023

India set to push for green World Bank reforms at G20

India wants the World Bank to lend more money for climate finance, at cheaper rates, in developing countries and will use its G20 chair to push this agenda

Feb 21, 2023