http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.48.aspx The latest news on World Bank Energy Strategy Review from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.48.aspx The CASA-1000 project, which begins the process of integrating the energy markets in Central and South Asia, is moving along with updated feasilbility studies from an independent consulting firm. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12567.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:16:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12567.aspx The World Bank is continuing apace on its work studying the proposed Rogun hydropower project in Tajikistan, which would be the largest hydropower in Central Asia. Two new assessments were recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12566.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:00:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12566.aspx The Sierra Club, along with the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development, has commissioned a report detailing the economic data involved in the World Bank's TOR for its proposed Kosovar power project, including a lignite fired coal plant, finding many problems with the analysis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12552.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:28:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12552.aspx At the Civil Society Townhall Meeting with World Bank President Robert Zoellick and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Laila Iskandar, an Egyptian activist and chairperson of the Community and Institutional Development Group eloquently spoke on behalf of global civil society outlining the various CSO concerns which had been brought to her attention. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx The Sierra Club and Bank Information Center are releasing a new report today describing the daily realities of coal impacted communities from Cirebon, Indonesia, the Konkan coast and Kutch India, Inner Mongolia China, Appalachia USA, New South Wales Australia, and Limpopo South Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:41:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:42:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx Michelle Chan, economic policy director for Friends of the Earth, writes that with deficit-mania sweeping Washington, Congressional leaders should be focusing on whether the money put into the World Bank is being well spent. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12507.aspx Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:47:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12507.aspx Read the English and Hindi versions of the newest IF-Eye here, including an examination of the World Bank's shift to energy transmission and distribution, as well as a review of recently approved and pipeline projects http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12506.aspx Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:17:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12506.aspx The proposed Kosovo power project, including a new lignite coal plant, has brought great controversy. The United States government is caught between its stated opposition to new coal-fired plants and support for the Kosovar project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12491.aspx Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:33:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12491.aspx IFC’s funding of Tata Ultra Mega powerplant in India will be under probe following the eligibility finding of a complaint lodged by fishing villagers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12463.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:03:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12463.aspx In a new interview, BIC partner Srinivas Krishnaswami takes a close look at the World Bank's funding of energy projects in India, and finds that very little of the increased capacity the Bank has funded has gone to helping the poor. He then discusses other paths for India's future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12446.aspx Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12446.aspx A wide-ranging group of civil society organizations from around the globe, including BIC, has sent a letter to World Bank president Robert Zoellick urging him to open up the proposed Energy Strategy to another round of consultations following significant revisions to the original Approach Paper. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12445.aspx Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:52:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12445.aspx A new report from CO2 Scorecard, based in part on BIC data, looks into the claims surrounding continued World Bank investment in coal, such as the efficiency of supercritical plants, its effect on poor populations, and what makes up an "exceptional case." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12443.aspx Thu, 26 May 2011 16:15:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12443.aspx Public eye is drawn to the unreported social and environmental problems with the coal-fired thermal plant in a polluted region in India which the International Finance Corporation funds through a financial intermediary. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12441.aspx Thu, 19 May 2011 16:45:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12441.aspx Over the last decade, the Mexican government has received significant sums in loans from multilateral institutions such as the IDB and WB and the governments of Norway and Germany for climate change-related initiatives. Yet there has been no assessment of the environmental outcomes achieved through this increase in external debt. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:42:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx Banco Santander Brasil SA denied it temporarily suspended financing for the Santo Antonio hydroelectric dam in Brazil’s Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:32:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx A new article from BIC's Paulina Garzon looks at the current status of the World Bank's energy strategy review, which has run into controversy at the Board of Directors. The article notes the politics surrounding the policy, as well as technical http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12431.aspx Tue, 03 May 2011 16:43:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12431.aspx Sen. John Kerry, in his capacity as Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, has sent a letter to the World Bank outlining three key areas in which the Bank can improve its draft Energy Strategy, and noting that as the Senate considers money for a General Capital Increase, he is watching the development of the Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12422.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:38:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12422.aspx Brazilian security forces have been sent to the Jirau dam construction site where work has been stopped since riots erupted last week over working conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:13:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx A new report from the Center for International Environmental Law sees a bias at the World Bank in favor of megaprojects like South Africa's Medupi coal plant. As it prepares a new Energy Sector Strategy, the report argues, the World Bank must calculate the true costs of its investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:17:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx BIC's Europe and Central Asia program has issued a briefing note on the proposed Rogun Dam, currently being assessed by the World Bank, with several potential funders looking into the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12381.aspx Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:14:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12381.aspx Dan Kammen has written a blog post discussing the upcoming UNFCCC conference in Durban, South Africa, the Scaling up Renewable Energy in Low-Income Countries program (SREP), and how the poor can benefit from both. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:37:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx NGOs and activists from around the world held rallies on Tuesday, March 1, in London, Paris, Berlin, Johannesburg, and elsewhere, in tandem with a worldwide social media campaign to demand that the World Bank finally put an end to fossil fuel lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12365.aspx Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:59:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12365.aspx Built by Paraguay and Argentina, the Yacyretá Binational Dam continues to cause serious environmental damage, compromising future generations. After a delay of 37 years, its final cost was almost ten times higher than originally budgeted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:57:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Andrew Steer, the World Bank's special envoy for climate change, recently sat for an interview with Deutsche Welle, discussing the Bank's role in carbon markets, as well as renewable and non-renewable energy projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12347.aspx Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:52:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12347.aspx Just a month after World Bank $500 million DPL payment to Brazil, followed by $614 million BNDES bridge loan to Belo Monte builders, New Dilma Government approves fast-track forest clearance and commencement of controversial Belo Monte construction site. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:46:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx It seems that the Government has forgotten its commitment to the environment when in January of 2011, it enacted the Emergency Decree No. 001-2011 to eliminate environmental impact certificates to approve 33 projects for investment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:55:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx The World Bank has published a review of its activities in the extractives sector for 2010. In previous years, the Bank has published the Extractive Industries Review implementation progress report, which detailed not just extractives investments but also how they relate to the commitments of the EIR. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12330.aspx Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:46:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12330.aspx $US 618 million bridge loan from BNDES prior to full environmental license ignores grave risks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:04:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx As the World Bank is expected to announce a new funding package for the world's poorest countries, Matthew Berger of IPS examines NGOs' last-minute appeals to donor countries to use their leverage to compel reforms at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx Stephen Leahy of the Inter Press Service reports that experts are recommending "decentralized, green economic development" to meet both energy access needs and international climate obligations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12309.aspx Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:58:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12309.aspx The Sierra Club's Nicole G. writes from Cancun for the organization's Cancun Delegation blog, arguing if the World Bank "is serious about playing a role in climate finance, the Bank must revise its Energy Strategy to phase out fossil fuels and ensure energy access for the poor." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12308.aspx Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12308.aspx In a Guardian article, Drew Corbyn asserts that as ministers address emissions and targets at COP-16, 1.5 billion people in developing countries have no access to energy. He argues, "meeting the basic energy needs of all the world's people would contribute less than 2% to current global emissions." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12306.aspx Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:27:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12306.aspx The World Bank announced a multimillion-dollar effort to promote renewable energy in Russia through the Russian Renewable Energy Program, supported by the International Finance Corporation, the Global Environment Facility and the Russian Energy Agency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12304.aspx Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:58:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12304.aspx Friends of the Earth U.S.'s Karen Orenstein speaks to Reuters from Cancun, responding to news of the launch of the multi-million dollar World Bank fund to help emerging market countries set up carbon markets. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12303.aspx Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:29:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12303.aspx Elizabeth Bast of Oil Change International reports from the COP-16, raising concerns around the World Bank positioning itself as the trustee for a new Global Climate Fund. In her blog posting, Bast questions "How can the World Bank effectively oversee climate finance funding while its energy portfolio continues to fuel the problem?" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12302.aspx Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:22:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12302.aspx CAN International highlights inconsistencies between World Bank rhetoric and action when it comes to their energy lending portfolio and climate finance, arguing "if the World Bank believes it can credibly deliver climate finance, it must make a strong and credible commitment to clean up its act." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12301.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:56:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12301.aspx As the World Bank returns to the big dam business with the inauguration of Laos’ largest hydropower project, many are concerned that the Bank-financed dams "will serve as a template for a big dam culture led by private sector investors with little interest in the environmental and social impact of these projects. " http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12299.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:41:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12299.aspx The Sierra Club's Justin Guay blogs from Cancun about the importance of the World Bank's energy lending strategy in the context of the institution's interest in playing a role in climate finance. He argues that "in order to credibly deliver climate finance...it is clear the institution must make a strong and credible commitment to clean up its act." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12298.aspx Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:53:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12298.aspx Mary Anne Hitt, Director of the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, and Justin Guay of the Sierra Club International Program blog from COP-16 in Cancun, highlighting "a fatal incoherency in energy sector lending that has enabled coal to pass itself off as a low carbon option for developing countries." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12297.aspx Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:09:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12297.aspx Blogging from Cancun, Mahabat Murzakanova highlights the obstacles to wide civil society participation and achievement of a diverse spectrum of viewpoints at the COP-16. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12296.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:15:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12296.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova describes the Climate Change Village outside the official schedule of events at COP-16 in Cancun. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12295.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:48:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12295.aspx The December 8 side event to the COP-16 in Cancun will examine international energy public finance, the World Bank's Energy Strategy review and its implications for climate finance architecture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12292.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:23:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12292.aspx The South-South Summit participants prepare for a December 3rd day of action on climate finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12291.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:41:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12291.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Kyrgyzstan's Citizens Against Corruption blogs from Cancun on day 3 of the South-South Summit on Climate Justice and Finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12290.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:57:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12290.aspx The World Bank has indicated that it would like to play a central role in the management of international climate funds under discussion at COP-16, however the Bank’s record of fossil fuel investments suggest that the institution is not serious about the climate impacts of its own investment portfolio. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12289.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:23:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12289.aspx With the help of our on the ground reporters, BIC and partners bring you updates from the ongoing climate negotiations at COP-16, with information on high-level government meetings, civil society initiatives, side events and more. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12288.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:21:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12288.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for day two of the South-South Summit on Financial Justice and Finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for the COP-16 meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:22:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx Using BIC numbers, Timothy Hurst of Ecopolitology looks into the current burst of funding for energy projects. He finds that the Bank is still analyzing cost-benefit ratio primarily in terms of dollars, not taking greenhouse gas emissions into account. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12280.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:43:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12280.aspx The energy giant plans a global expansion in 2011 that by 2020 will generate 10% of total revenues from outside the region and allow Brazil to import energy for increasing demand. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:27:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx As the World Bank pushes forward with a massive investment in North Africa’s energy sector, it is up to the institution to ensure that this program benefits those who need it most. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:49:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx An Independent Evaluation Group report says that while the World Bank has significantly increased its investment in renewables over the last decade, it must focus on accounting for the impacts of its projects if it hopes to meet its mandate on reducing poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12228.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:01:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12228.aspx Egypt and the World Bank on Thursday signed two new loan agreements worth 820 million dollars, in the largest financing provided by the institution to the country's electricity sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:12:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx In late May, nearly 100 representatives of civil society, government, and private sector companies consulted on the World Bank's Energy Strategy. The meeting, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan and videoconferenced to three other countries in the region, focused on hydropower, governance, and extractives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11891.aspx Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11891.aspx A recent article about the 3,000 MW San Antonio hydroelectric dam being built in a highly sensitive international Amazon watershed purported that Brazil had surmounted the environmental and social criticism of the revived Amazon dam building plans for 24 such sites in the coming years. Critics respond the WSJ writer, John Lyons, ignored much of the evidence and argumentation provided to him, resulting in a one-sided presentation of San Antonio that results in a greenwashing of the highly problematic project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:44:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx Christian Aid and Aprodev compiled several civil society assessments of the World Bank Energy Strategy review from a national or regional perspective. Read the resulting energy briefings from Bolivia, India, Peru and South Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12197.aspx Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:27:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12197.aspx Inter Press Service cites BIC in an examination of the World Bank's energy lending within the context of the 2010 Annual Meetings and a newly released IEG report on the application of safeguards and sustainability policies at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:31:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx BIC is cited in an International Herald Tribune special report focused upon World Bank energy lending. The article notes that the Bank is financing more coal than ever, "even though it said only two years ago in a policy document that climate change posed one of the greatest threats to development in poor countries." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12173.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:35:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12173.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC article on the discussion of energy poverty and sustainability that took place at the 2010 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings last week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12172.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:20:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12172.aspx Emerging Markets quotes Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs on World Bank energy lending, “The Bank are surely considering our arguments on fossil fuels. But we haven’t seen any clear signal that they are going to address this issue in a new way.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12171.aspx Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12171.aspx Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs is quoted in a Climate Wire article regarding a new Oil Change International study that challenges World Bank claims that its lending must include dirty fossil fuel projects in order to help alleviate energy poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12170.aspx Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:13:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12170.aspx Oil Change International releases a study that "dispels the myth that World Bank support for coal and oil projects increases access to energy for the world's poorest." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx NGOs challenge the institution at the 2010 Annual General Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC, October 6th through 10th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12157.aspx Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:20:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12157.aspx BIC highlights the work of Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, a rights-based activist organization in Bangladesh. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:03:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx A Sierra Club blog post examines the IFI energy lending incoherence with climate change concerns. Justin Guay suggests full cost accounting for fossil fuels and a prioritization of access to modern energy services for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12147.aspx Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:44:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12147.aspx Record sums were invested last year in coal power - the most carbon intensive form of energy on the planet - by the World Bank, despite international commitments to slash the carbon emissions blamed for climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12142.aspx Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:59:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12142.aspx Christian Aid highlights a record year for coal financing at the Bank: $4.4 billion in 2010. Dr. Alison Doig, Christian Aid's Senior Advisor on Climate Change stated that "Christian Aid hopes the Bank's new energy strategy, which it is currently preparing and which will guide its lending for the next decade, will fundamentally change its approach." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12141.aspx Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:45:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12141.aspx On Wednesday, September 15, Chairman John Kerry presided over the committee hearing as the multilateral development banks request capital increases. Links to transcripts of the opening statements and testimonies follow. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx Andrew Steer was recently appointed to be the World Bank's first envoy on climate change, overseeing the creation of a coherent plan for the Bank to confront the issue. ClimateWire profiles Steer, seeing many praises of the man, but uncertainty in how much change he can bring. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12136.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12136.aspx The World Bank has announced the appointment of Professor of Energy Daniel M. Kammen of the University of California, Berkeley as the organization’s Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. This new position will provide leadership on a number of fronts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12138.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12138.aspx The World Bank recently created the position of Special Envoy for Climate Change, a position charged with overseeing massive amounts of money put toward mitigation efforts. Andrew Steer is the first person appointed to this position. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12122.aspx Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:01:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12122.aspx Three environmental groups called on the World Bank to stop obstructing the overhaul of the United Nations program for awarding emission credits tied to hydrofluorocarbons. They claim that analytical and factual errors in a World Bank report would lead to a derailing of the Clean Development Mechanism. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12112.aspx Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:13:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12112.aspx The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a loan of $1.2 billion Egyptian pounds to support the development of wind energy. 800 million Egyptian Pounds will be provided by the Clean Technology Fund, which will be a first for the fund in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:59:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx The U.S. Senate ratchets up the pressure on the World Bank, including language in the 2011 foreign operations funding bill demanding a fossil fuel phase out and a commitment to renewable energy in the Bank's new energy strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12090.aspx Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:02:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12090.aspx The World Bank has posted several videos of their Energy Sector Manager and Lead Energy Specialist discussing the consultation process for rewriting the Bank's Energy Strategy. The interviews, where they discuss both the process and substance of the consultations, have been translated into several languages. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12089.aspx Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:48:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12089.aspx Drawing on consultants worldwide, BIC has created a series of documents laying out successful renewable energy projects and the lessons that can be learned from them. The models cover Mexico, Indonesia, Southern Africa, and Central Asia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12079.aspx Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12079.aspx A consortium of civil society organizations provided comments on the World Bank Energy Strategy review following the consultation held in New Delhi on July 28, outlined in a communique. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12086.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:56:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12086.aspx Giant hydroelectric dams being built or planned in remote areas of Brazil, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Peru and Guyana will devastate tribal communities by forcing people off their land or destroying hunting and fishing grounds, according to a report by Survival International today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12084.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:08:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12084.aspx Bill ties the World Bank’s General Capital Increase request to a rapid phase out of Bank support for fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12078.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12078.aspx NAPM facilitated a national energy consultation in Bhopal; demanded serious national attention towards energy generation and use, demand and supply, alternatives and affordable, sustainable pro-people energy perspective. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12080.aspx Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:05:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12080.aspx Following the Inspection Panel's decision to launch a full investigation into the recently approved loan to South African utility Eskom, South African and international CSOs called for the World Bank to learn from the loan as it reviews its Energy Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx The Panel was given the green light today to conduct a full investigation into alleged policy violations in the World Bank's loan to South African power utility Eskom based on a complaint from local communities, who allege that the project will result in significant harms to their health, environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Kammen was recently selected to head the World Bank's renewable energy unit. In this interview, he discusses how technological change has affected the market for renewable energy and warns of "one size fits all" energy paths for developing countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:53:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx The Cinta Mekar Micro-Hydro Power Plant project and the Kulon Progo Improved Cook Stove Project in Indonesia demonstrate the development effectiveness of off-grid renewable energy projects. A best practices study identifies the replicable elements of the two projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12056.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:18:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12056.aspx For the people of northwestern Kenya, fighting to protect Lake Turkana from the Gibe 3 Dam is a fight for their livelihoods and the future of their unique cultures. International Rivers recently took a trip to the area and documented their struggle. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx The World Bank replies to the recommendations of 25 civil society groups on the new energy strategy consultations made in Peru, Brazil and Mexico. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11985.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:59:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11985.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features a summary of the event entitled "Oil and Mining Booms and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Peru for Development Planning & Revenue Management at the National and subnational level" (Washington, DC, June 16, 2010). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:44:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx MEXICO CITY, Jul 5, 2010 (IPS) - Non-governmental organizations from across the Americas are demanding that the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank institute policies that favor sustainable energy and help mitigate climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx Civil society groups compile recommendations to the World Bank for the new energy strategy and feedback on public consultations in Peru, Brazil and Mexico http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11956.aspx Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:57:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11956.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features updates on the World Bank's Energy Strategy Review as well as the IFC's Policy and Standards Review in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:28:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx At an energy consultation on June 29 for which it took weeks to finalize a date, 25 Egyptians from various segments of society, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private firms, all had one clear message for the World Bank to think about when designing its new energy strategy: "focus on renewable energy projects." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:36:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx Just one day after a World Bank Group energy consultation in Cairo where the clear and strong message from both civil society and the private sector was for the World Bank Group to push for renewables, the International Finance Corporation has announced a $120 million investment in Egypt's oil sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11940.aspx Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11940.aspx The Washington Post published a BIC Letter to the Editor arguing that significant reform must accompany the World Bank's request for an $86.2 billion general capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:51:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Andrew Steer will begin his role as climate change envoy at the World Bank on July 1. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:20:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Noting the increased commitment to large hydropower projects, 92 civil society organizations wrote to the World Bank asking that it pay attention to the known social and environmental problems associated with the sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:25:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx BIC highlights the work of Mirvari Gahramanli of Azerbaijan's Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Writing in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm English Edition, Amr Mohsen of Lotus Solar Technologies and BIC's Amy Ekdawi lay out the case for Egypt to seek a transition to renewable energy now, not later, and to request that the World Bank aid this change of direction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:32:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx A new lamp using inexpensive solar technology is being developed in Africa. This technology, less efficient but more affordable than others, could bring electric light to off-grid Africans and reduce dependence on kerosene. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11917.aspx Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:21:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11917.aspx Civil society organizations from more than 50 countries released a letter to President Obama today asking the U.S. to withhold support for any scheme in which the World Bank would have a major role in climate finance, citing the body's undemocratic nature and poor record with climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11906.aspx Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:37:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11906.aspx On the tenth anniversary of the funding of the Chad-Cameroon Oil & Pipeline Project, the World Bank continues to practice problematic energy investment strategies. This emblematic project and its problems should inform the Bank's new Energy Strategy and how it invests in poor communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx On the heels of winning a $3.75 million loan from the World Bank, South African utility Eskom is now seeking carbon credits from the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. Environmentalists are outraged that one of the largest coal plants in the world could receive public funds from both the World Bank and the CDM. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx The protestors, led by Friends of the Earth Europe, gathered peacefully outside of the meeting where they demanded an end to the World Bank's financing of fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx On May 3rd 2010, FDPD and BIC organized a panel discussion to bring together energy experts from NGOs, the private sector, and academia among others, to discuss Egypt's energy sector and the role that the World Bank Group would ideally play in that sector. The event also marked the first collaborative effort within a new BIC-FDPD protocol. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:26:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx A new ClimateWire article looks into the growing number of voices concerned about the World Bank's role in a post-Copenhagen world. The Bank's recent approval of a controversial loan to South African utility Eskom has spurred several previously reserved groups to demand reforms. BIC board member David Hunter was quoted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 14:02:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx A postmortem of the 2010 World Bank Spring Meetings, held April 22-25 in Washington DC, including studies, event descriptions, and videos from selected events. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11886.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11886.aspx More than 100 civil society organizations from around the globe signed on to a letter demanding an end to all fossil fuel projects at the World Bank with aims other than energy access for the poor. Until the Bank halts the financing of such projects, bringing them into line with the G20 and APEC pledges to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, these CSOs will oppose the Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx Tue, 18 May 2010 17:08:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx Athena Ballesteros writes on the World Bank's blog about the necessary changes as the Bank takes on greater roles in climate finance. Ballesteros is a senior associate at the World Resources Center and a member of BIC's board of directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Mon, 17 May 2010 16:18:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council writes that before the U.S. commits to funding the World Bank's capital increase, the Bank must commit fully to being part of the climate change solution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 11:49:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx At a dinner in the Rayburn Congressional Office Building, representatives of non-governmental organizations, the U.S. government, and multilateral development banks came together to celebrate the Pelosi Amendment, a longstanding requirement for environmental assessment in MDB loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx On April 24, BIC launched a model Energy Strategy for the World Bank. Taking advantage of the many representatives of government and civil society in town for the World Bank Spring Meetings, we held an event with an expert panel addressing the World Bank's problmetic approach to energy and how the Bank can transform its lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx Thu, 06 May 2010 10:08:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx A BIC-IeSR press release calls on the World Bank to clean up its energy investments before approval of an $86 billion recapitalization this fall. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx Wed, 05 May 2010 11:25:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx In a recent CEE Bankwatch article, BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs writes that without drastic changes to the World Bank's Energy Strategy, business as usual will ultimately mean more mega-projects for coal power in middle income countries, instead of an actual reduction in poverty for the most vulnerable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11871.aspx Tue, 04 May 2010 14:24:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11871.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC op-ed on civil society's insight and input into the World Bank's Energy Strategy review process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Mon, 03 May 2010 14:11:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Despite pledges to the contrary, a new report from environmentalist Joshua Frank shows that the Obama administration is subsidizing coal to an unprecedented degree, including through the World Bank and other MDBs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:52:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx A new report from WRI coathored by BIC board member Athena Ballesteros examines MDB investment in the power sector between 2006 and 2008 and what the policies, regulations, and institutional capacities of this period mean for the future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:13:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx A new factsheet from BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs shows that fiscal year 2010 is the most the World Bank has ever loaned for fossil fuel. There are still two months left in FY2010, during which the Bank will decide on a coal plant to be built in Botswana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11867.aspx Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:21:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11867.aspx Against the backdrop of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's spring meetings this weekend, numerous groups have chimed in on the need for and direction of a new World Bank energy strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx As the World Bank is crafting its new Energy Strategy, BIC has put together a model for how we think the Bank's final strategy should look. The model was created in consultation with civil society and energy experts worldwide. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:49:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Civil society organizations voice opposition to the World Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:41:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx In a moment where the World Bank is reviewing its energy strategy, it is channeling the funds for a major program in the MENA region which may lead to technological breakthroughs with respect to mitigating climate change, but at what cost? This article examines the different factors associated with the development of Concentrated Solar Power in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:19:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Desmond D'Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance spoke about the controversial loan to Eskom and what will be done now that the Board has approved it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Despite strong opposition from concerned South Africans and marathon deliberations, the Bank today voted to approve a loan that will help fund one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:43:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx South African activist Desmond D'Sa is quoted in the ClimateWire article. Sources say that later today, the U.S. will abstain from voting on the controversial Eskom loan rather than vote against it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:42:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Civil society activists converged at the World Bank on Wednesday afternoon in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:00:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx As the World Bank increases cooperation and coordination of development schemes with the Europeans, how might this affect lending trends in the Middle East and North Africa? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:02:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Community members from South Africa's Limpopo Province filed a complaint with the World Bank Inspection Panel today due to the proposed $3.75 billion loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Civil society activists to converge at the World Bank on Wednesday in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx Underlying the controversial proposed loan to the South African utility company Eskom are changing internal politics of the World Bank. Lisa Friedman of ClimateWire analyzes the implications for future World Bank loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Lori Pottinger of International Rivers writes about South Africa's potential for renewable energy, contrasted to the heavy focus on coal power that Eskom is pursuing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:08:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx South Africa's proposed Medupi power station would help maintain the country's status as a low cost location for industry. The Guardian's Joss Garmin discusses the implications of the World Bank loan to Eskom in the context of global politics of climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:32:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx The vote on the controversial loan to Eskom at the World Bank Board of Directors on April 8 is still up in the air. The government of the United Kingdom is still weighing the options, but will very likely be the deciding vote. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx BIC highlights the work of Sergei Vorsin of Tajikistan's Taraqqiet Development Centre. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11825.aspx Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:24:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11825.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:12:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Friends of the Earth is planning a discussion with two South African activists about the proposed $3.75 million loan to Eskom which will fund the construction of the Medupi power station tomorrow at 1 p.m. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:25:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx World Bank research paper debunks conventional views that renewable energy is too costly for large-scale expansion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:12:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx The staff of Senator Richard Lugar released a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations calling for reform of the IFIs before Congress approves upcoming capital replenishment requests for the institutions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11797.aspx Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:10:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11797.aspx The multi-stakeholder consultation addressed the World Bank's Energy Strategy Approach Paper which will guide the Bank's energy lending over the coming decade. Civil society, the private sector and international orgs provided feedback to the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx A new report from the Center for American Progress looks into the World Bank's ability to exacerbate or alleviate climate change through its project funding and its ability to set standards for other institutions. BIC's analysis of the Bank's energy lending is cited http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:35:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx The Bank will delay the proposed refurbishment of the Inga 1 and 2 dams until 2016, and will cut back the size of the project. Staff said that the cutbacks were due to both the world financial crisis and problems specific to the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:10:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx A broad coalition of civil society in South Africa is mobilizing opposition to the controversial loan proposed to help fund the Medupi coal plant. They threatened a boycott of World Bank bonds if the loan is approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:49:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx The Bangladeshi government objects to grant money being channelled through the World Bank, which it says will attach unfavourable "strings and conditions." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.aspx Communities, environmental groups, academics and NGOs today call on the World Bank to cease and desist from a proposed loan of R29 billion ($3.75 bn) to Eskom. If this loan – which may come up for a Board vote in March or April – goes through, poor South Africans will have to bear the burden of Eskom’s debt and the World Bank’s cost recovery programme, and climate change will intensify. A world campaign begins now. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:13:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx Despite Kayapo protests over flawed consultation process, IBAMA has granted a preliminary license to move forward with the 11,000 MW - $20 billion Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Brazilian government officials have threatened the Para Public Ministry not to bring lawsuits to block the dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:35:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx On January 13th, nine executive directors representing China, India, and other countries in the Global South wrote a letter protesting the recently announced guidelines from the U.S. for what coal projects it could support. The directors objected to the United States declaring it wouldn't support coal projects while maintaining its own reliance on coal power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:35:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx Within the context of the upcoming general capital increase for the World Bank, African Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Treasury Department produced a document outlining U.S. reform priorities for these multilateral development banks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11752.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:21:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11752.aspx The Bank has initiated the first round of consultations on its Energy Strategy by opening online comments to the public and publishing dates for meetings in select countries. The consultations will last until June of this year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11741.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:56:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11741.aspx A memo from the U.S. Treasury Department laying out conditions for supporting new coal projects at MDBs has angered several other shareholders in the World Bank. Nine executive directors objected that they were being cut off from financing for cheap coal while the U.S. still produces 26% of coal generated electricity worldwide. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11740.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:50:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11740.aspx Last year, the executive directors of Sierra Club and Rainforest Action Network sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner encouraging him to end federal subsidies for coal-fired power plants. Included in the letter is the point that the U.S. subsidizes coal plants through its vote at the multilateral development banks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11737.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:03:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11737.aspx Five countries recently submitted Readiness Preparation Proposals to the Participants Committee of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Argentina, DRC, Ghana, Mexico, and Suriname will have their proposals for grant allocation reviewed at the next meeting of the Participants Committee in March. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:39:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released guidelines on the funding of coal power plants by multilateral development banks, prompting mixed reactions from civil society. BIC board member Athena Ballesteros and Sustainable Energy Expert Yong Chen are quoted, expressing enthusiasm as well as concern about the guidelines and their effectiveness. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:58:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx Fander Falconi was the third government official to resign over a plan to seek international donations of $3 billion over the next 10 years to keep an estimated 850 million barrels of heavy crude oil under the ground in the remote Yasuni National Park. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11728.aspx Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:09:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11728.aspx Dr. Vandana Shiva of the Navdanya Trust reviews the Copenhagen conference and its underlying politics. Coming from a Global South perspective, he finds little basis for continued delay in action or the implicit assumption that present economic dominance by the Global North and certain polluters must be maintained at all costs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11723.aspx Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:01:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11723.aspx On December 14th, the U.S. Treasury released a note titled "Guidance to MDBs for Engaging with Developing Countries on Coal-Fired Power Generation" which will guide how U.S. representatives to MDBs deal with proposed coal projects. Here, BIC comments on the functionality of the new policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11715.aspx Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:17:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11715.aspx In December 2009, the U.S. Treasury released a guidance note intended to be adapted by individual MDBs and incorporated into their respective operational policies, country and sector strategies, and other procedures that are related to the public or private project cycle for coal-powered generation operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:25:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx The Plurinational Government of Bolivia has invited social movements, defenders of Mother Earth, scientists, academics, lawyers, government officials that want to work with their citizens to a World Peoples Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Nature to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia from 20- 22 of Abril, 2010. Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:42:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx Brazil's Amazon Fund committed first $40 million to five NGO projects to reduce deforestation. Projects focus on monitoring, environmentally-responsible land use, forest protection, and payments for avoiding deforestation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11701.aspx Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:30:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11701.aspx Phil Radford, executive director of Greenpeace USA, writes a rebuttal to the World Bank on their energy lending and argues that they are still quite far from being a "climate-friendly" bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:26:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx Using BIC's recently published numbers on World Bank energy lending, Richard Mahapatra of InfoChange India writes about the "carbon trap" that the World Bank is locking developing countries into for the next 30 to 40 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11694.aspx Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11694.aspx Former Argentinian Environment Secretary Romina Picolotti and Center for Human Rights and the Environment co-founder Jorge Daniel Taillant have authored a new piece laying out the case for the World Bank to determine its energy agenda on a human rights based approach. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11688.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:53:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11688.aspx As the World Bank is expediting a $3.75 billion dollar loan to the South African power utility Eskom, mostly for the coal fired Medupi power station, a new report from South African NGO GroundWork looks at the state of Eskom, and what the influx of money will mean for the company and the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Phil Radford, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, has written an Op-Ed for Foreign Policy on the World Bank and coal. He argues that there is a contradiction between the Bank's stated goals about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the continued funding for coal centered projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:19:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx James Hansen, the scientist who drew attention to the Bush administration's manipulation of climate change data, says that despite improved rhetoric, politicians are still engaged in "greenwash" and that they are seeking to continue business as usual. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs published today numbers examining World Bank Group energy investments over the last three years. The factsheet contrasts data on Bank lending for fossil fuels, large hydropower, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:36:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx The major IFIs have appealed to the governments meeting at Copenhagen to come to a comprehensive agreement on climate change mitigation, pledging to use their own resources to contribute. Some are critical, however, of how ready these institutions are to tackle the issues involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson and Senior Fellow at the Miller Institute Alice Miller have written a new article about the social impacts of climate change. They argue that if the World Bank is going to be the default institution for climate financing, it can vastly improve its practices to live up to this role. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:39:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx South Africa's power company believes that the World Bank will make a decision about whether to loan up to $5 billion to the company in the first half of 2010. The money would go toward the construction of the Medupi coal fired power station, as well as other energy projects throughout the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx As the Bank seeks to position itself as the vehicle of choice for future climate finance, the experience of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) calls its competence into question. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:35:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx According to a World Bank study, Cartagena and the rest of the Caribbean coastal zone could see sea levels rising as much as 2 feet by the end of the century. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11649.aspx Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:48:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11649.aspx E&E News reports on the IFC's review of palm oil investments. Marcus Colchester of the Forest Peoples Programme is quoted as saying that the review will be extended to soy and cocoa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11648.aspx Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:42:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11648.aspx In a speech titled “Building a Twenty-First Century Development Bank: New Challenges, New Priorities,” Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry laid out his vision for the role of the US and the World Bank in tackling climate change, energy investment, and economic development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11641.aspx Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:26:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11641.aspx Two days after the United States and China again refused to sign an agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the United Nations expressed its expectation that a legally binding international agreement on the issue will be ratified in Mexico in late 2010. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11635.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:39:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11635.aspx The rich world fails to understand that loans to developing countries are not the answer to climate change. An avalanche of new loans to developing countries who are already repaying debts at a rate of five times what they receive in aid every year solves nothing. Even more troubling, the World Bank will oversee these loans - an institution at the very heart of carbon-fuelled growth and Third World debt. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.aspx Guyana and Norway on Monday inked an agreement that will see Oslo paying up to a total of US$250 million by 2015 for Guyana to preserve its forests. Norway will provide financial support to Guyana based on its success in limiting emissions, enabling Guyana to begin implementation of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Terms of the deal stipulate Guyana must take action on issues of transparency and accountability before any money is disbursed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11629.aspx Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11629.aspx The World Bank is moving to become one of the major institutions taking on climate change through its Climate Investment Funds, among other policies. However, Heinrich Boell Foundation president Barbara Unmuessig believes that without reforms, the Bank will not be able to effectively or fairly alter the course on global warming. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.aspx Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:48:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.aspx The World Bank is quietly preparing the first capital increase in nearly 20 years to replenish the coffers after unprecedented lending in 2008 and the coming two years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx BIC's Africa Program Manager, Josh Klemm, is quoted in a This is Africa article about the problematic $860 million Bujagali Hydropower plant project in Uganda, financed, in part, by the IFC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:13:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs was quoted in an IPS article about the World Bank's energy portfolio. While the Bank argued that renewables can only be a secondary part of a large country's energy production, Mainhardt-Gibbs pointed out that current Bank policy locks developing countries into fossil fuel dependence rather than moving them forward on a path toward clean energy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11592.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:41:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11592.aspx The bid to include forests in initiatives to mitigate climate change is turning out to be a sensitive issue for the planet. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:16:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx "Climate change has been produced principally by the rich countries, but it most affects the countries of the third world," President Rafael Correa said in London. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:39:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx There are many reasons to oppose carbon trading. The most important is that carbon trading will not address climate change. Rising Tide North America together with Carbon Trade Watch and the Camp for Climate Action is launching a new website, 350 Reasons. Governments should not be looking for innovative ways to create loopholes for polluters or to create fortunes for carbon traders. Instead we need to dramatically reduce emissions – quickly. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11583.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:54:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11583.aspx With funding from the World Bank, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment is planning to expedite and integrate the environmental licensing processes now divided between Federal, State and Local authoriteis. In an effort to speed up large infrastructure with the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the move could lead to licensing regional of river basins. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx BNDES has invested close to $R 5 bilion in the last two years as shareholders in the largest beef shippers, including JBS Friboi and Bertin. In Bertin alone, BNDES has purchased 27% equity position. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:55:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.aspx A report recently released by Greenpeace illustrates clearly why REDD offset projects will neither address climate change nor stop deforestation. The report questions the claims made by the project developers about leakage, additionality, permanence and the ability of the project developers to measure accurately the amount of carbon stored in the forest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11559.aspx Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:05:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11559.aspx It was confirmed yesterday that Mexico will receive 1.504 billion dollars in financing for “encouraging green growth”; the loan will focus on economic strengthening and environmental programs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:32:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx The World Bank/IMF Annual General Meetings in Istanbul October 2-7th provide a window of opportunity for civil society to impact ongoing policy reviews. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:41:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.aspx An article in The Times highlights the inconsistencies between the World Bank's continued finance of coal projects and the rhetoric in their recently released 2010 World Development Report on climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:53:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx A Climate Wire article cites BIC data to show that World Bank increases in renewable energy investment are outweighed by more investments in fossil fuels. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:44:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx In this month's bulletin, we examine some of the concerns about whether the Bank’s and the Brazilian government’s policies address climate change issues and the social and environmental impacts of these projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:27:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx This article discusses the changing relationship between the Bank and Brazil within the context of a new $1.3 billion Development Policy Loan. It includes a review of the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, and then offers a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:05:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx The International Herald Tribune/New York Times Global Edition printed a BIC Letter to the Editor on the role of the World Bank in climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:22:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Read a BIC Letter to the Editor of The Washington Post in response to the July 23 George Will op-ed on climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:05:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx The US Department of Treasury released a statement on July 16, 2009 describing their position on the recent World Bank Energy Strategy Concept Note. The Concept Note outlines the World Bank's forthcoming Energy Strategy Approach Paper, which should be released in August, 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11333.aspx Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11333.aspx A recent article by Mindy S. Lubber reveals that while the industrialized world is struggling to cut its emissions, it is simultaneously bankrolling the construction of thousands upon thousands of megawatts of new coal-fired power in developing countries through international financial institutions such as the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11332.aspx Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:14:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11332.aspx In response to concerns raised from World Bank and US Government staff about the characterization of the outcomes of the Third Participants Committee (PC) meeting of the FCPF in Switzerland in June, the Bank Information Center would like to clarify that R-Plans are now called R-PPs. The R-PPs of Panama and Guyana were not approved by the PC, but advanced to the next stage in the process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11322.aspx Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:20:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11322.aspx Hydroelectric dams, Biofuels, Hydrocarbons top the list. A business delegation is programmed for the second semester of 2009 to explore biofuel investment opportunities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11313.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:02:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11313.aspx QUILLABAMBA, Peru | A national strike by thousands of rain-forest Indians is spawning accusations of a proxy war involving Venezuela and an emboldened peasant movement seeking to undermine Peru's pro-U.S. president. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:24:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.aspx The World Bank approves loans for renewable energy in southern countries while making sure Europe meets its energy goals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:42:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx With the approval of the readiness plans for Guyana and Panama, the World Bank moves its Forest Carbon Partnership Facility forward despite civil society protests. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11278.aspx Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:09:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11278.aspx After an abrupt about-face, an agency frets about its footprint http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:39:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx Submit comments to the World Bank online regarding the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change until July 31st. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.aspx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:27:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.aspx Just two weeks after the publication of Greenpeace's report "Slaughtering the Amazon" the IFC halts a $30 million payment to the Bertin corporation which was using the IFC loan to expand further into the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:10:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx The debate surrounding carbon markets and REDD is polarizing and multi-faceted, especially for the Amazonian populations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11238.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:46:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11238.aspx A new short report by the Heinrich Boell Foundation North America, Gender and Climate Finance: Double Mainstreaming for Sustainable Development, looks at some of the gender implications of the new global climate finance architecture as well as specific climate funds and financing mechanisms and gives some recommendations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11231.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:44:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11231.aspx Civil society will have the opportunity to apply for observer seats on two World Bank Climate Investment Fund (CIF) committees and one sub-committee. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11192.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 09:25:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11192.aspx Read "The Anchorage Declaration" from the 2009 Indigenous Peoples' Global Summit on Climate Change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11137.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 13:35:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11137.aspx Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx BIC assessment finds that even with important gains in renewable energy and energy efficiency in recent years, the World Bank Group’s overall lending approach to the energy sector does not support developing countries’ transition towards a low-carbon development path. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx