How Does the World Bank Fit Into the Climate Conversation?

The World Bank is among the world's largest international organizations, and its economic development activities have far-reaching implications for the environment. The World Bank has taken steps to help the environment, but the organization also funds projects that contribute to fossil fuel industry growth, biodiversity loss, and land degradation -- even while preaching a steadfast commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development. On this episode of The Sweaty Penguin learn more about the World Bank, how its work may be contributing to environmental problems, and what might be done to bring about positive change.

With special guest Dr. Teresa Kramarz: Associate Professor of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

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00:00 Start

01:17 The World Bank claims to be taking climate change seriously

03:24 What is the World Bank?

06:52 Sustainability is a core value of the organization

08:52 Defining sustainable development

12:58 Fossil fuel financing

16:06 Impacts on humans, land, and ecosystems

17:23 The World Bank done good things too, just has room to improve

18:11 Possibility of clean energy financing

20:45 Possibility of working on local solutions

21:35 Who influences the World Bank’s choices?

22:44 Host Ethan Brown’s final thoughts

24:10 Introducing special guest Dr. Teresa Kramarz, Associate Professor of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto

24:21 New book: “Forgotten Values: The World Bank and Environmental Partnerships”

27:14 Why are the World Bank’s partnerships so often focused on the environment?

28:09 Does bureaucracy or internal disagreements impact the World Bank’s environmental progress?

30:34 How can the World Bank make more progress outside of the United States and Europe?

33:32 Is the World Bank aware of these shortcomings?

36:08 What is your advice to the World Bank?

38:29 End credits

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Each episode of The Sweaty Penguin invites you to explore one climate change issue in depth, guided by an expert in the field. The goal? To make environmental issues less politicized and more fun, so that people of any political ideology or interest level can learn, engage, and find common ground.

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The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Peril and Promise or The WNET Group.

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Major funding for Peril and Promise is provided by Dr. P. Roy Vagelos and Diana T. Vagelos with additional funding from The Marc Haas Foundation, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, and the Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family.