Resource information
The first of a series on climate change,
this evaluation assesses International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International
Development Association (IDA) experience with key win-win
policies in the energy sector. It focuses on energy price
reform and policies for energy efficiency, both of which
offer potentially large gains at the country level together
with significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The
next phase will look at the project experience of the Bank
(including the carbon funds) and the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) in promoting technologies for renewable
energy and energy efficiency. Transport and forestry issues
will also be evaluated. The record levels of energy prices
in 2008, although they have been relaxed, provide an impetus
for clients to seek more sustainable and price-resilient
growth paths. The Bank can proactively help interested
clients to assess the domestic benefits of price reform and
efficiency policies, explore design options, and finance
their implementation. This will require a reorientation of
the Bank's internal incentives, and adoption of a
systems approach to energy and climate. These efforts will
complement the crucial steps developed countries must take
to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to provide
financial and technical help for mitigation by developing
countries, consistent with United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commitments and the
Bali action plan.
