Today sees the release of the data on project financing from the nine major Multilateral Development Banks on the Energy Policy Tracker and a new Big Shift Global briefing, showing that, since the beginning of the pandemic, the Banks provided at least $12 billion to clean energy and $3 billion for fossil fuels.
World Bank
Nearly 450 Organizations Call on Biden Administration to End Public Finance for Fossil Fuels
Over 400 organizations from 50 countries signing onto a new letter called on the Joe Biden administration to immediately end all U.S. public financing for fossil fuels, including natural gas.
Finance in Common Summits misses opportunity to end fossil fuel finance, but there is a way forward, say CSOs
Today development banks signed a joint declaration at the first global summit of development banks, Finance in Common. Before the summit, the UN Secretary General, youth climate activists, and over 300 civil society organisations all urged development banks to act to end fossil fuel investments. However, the joint declaration only includes a vague commitment to “consider” ways to reduce fossil fuel investments.
It’s been 25 years since the Ogoni 9 — why are governments still funding fossil fuels?
To do anything less than stopping all public money to fossil fuels dishonors the memory and sacrifices of Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni 9, and countless others who have risked and lost their lives to defend their lands and communities.
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley Introduces Pair of Bills to Halt Financial Investments in Fossil Fuels
“If banks won’t stop funding climate devastation, our government must force their hand, and Senator Merkley’s bills would force the action we need,” said David Turnbull of Oil Change International.
In the face of Trump, World Bank Board must stand firm on climate
Because they chose to accept David Malpass, Donald Trump’s pick for the next World Bank president, the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors are responsible for moving aggressively him in if he attempts to drag the Bank backward on climate change. The Board must not let Malpass do the bidding of the oil and gas industry.
Response to Malpass Appointment as World Bank President
While Malpass has promised to maintain the World Bank’s existing commitments on climate change, governments should be extremely wary, said Alex Doukas, of Oil Change International.
Trump’s World Bank pick, David Malpass, Must Not Pass
President Trump has nominated David Malpass to be World Bank President If approved, Malpass would be a disaster for the World Bank – and the world. He’s not fit for this role and would drag the World Bank back to climate denial and inaction.
David Malpass as World Bank President = Climate Fail
Program Director Alex Doukas said, “David Malpass is a dreadful nominee for the World Bank President. Malpass was Chief Economist of Bear Stearns as the company led the economy off the cliff into a global financial crisis. That tells you all you need to know about David Malpass’ ability as an economic steward.”
Oil Change International Statement on Departure of World Bank President
“Under President Kim, the World Bank Group demonstrated a degree of climate leadership by announcing an end to financing for oil and gas extraction, and by starting to tighten its rules on lending to private banks who then invest that money in fossil fuels. The World Bank Group still has a long way to go on climate action, and Kim’s departure should not put a stop to this recent progress.”