World Bank's climate reparations role draws criticism

The World Bank, known for its controversial history, now manages a climate reparations fund, sparking debate over its suitability for this role.

Naveena Sadasivam and Lylla Younes report for Grist.


In short:

  • The World Bank, with a history of questionable impacts on developing nations, is now overseeing a climate reparations fund, raising concerns about its effectiveness and trustworthiness.
  • Developing countries express distrust in the World Bank due to its U.S.-dominated structure and past failures, fearing the fund's management may not align with their needs.
  • The fund's bureaucratic and costly management style, coupled with the World Bank's track record in fossil fuel investments, adds to the skepticism about its role in combating climate change.

Key quote:

"The structure of the international organizations [like the World Bank] reflects a global power structure that is no longer the case, no longer true."

— Paul Cadario, Distinguished Fellow, University of Toronto

More Top News:

Visit Environmental Health News for the latest breaking news on environmental health and climate change.

A group of three cyclists bicycling alongside a river

Destroyed crops, riverbed cyclists and a ‘Rock of Starvation’: how drought has devastated the Danube

The Guardian travelled 100 miles along the EU’s longest river, where some residents are struggling to secure drinking water.

Pipes rising out of the ground at a geothermal well with mountains in the background

Imperial Valley dreamed of a lithium boom. It just hit another roadblock

Stalled plans to turn a remote corner of California into a critical minerals and clean energy mecca have been dealt another setback.

A view of farm workers bending over fields with mountains in the background

As summer heat waves intensify, North Carolina advocates push for farmworker protection

Agricultural workers and advocates gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina last week to highlight the contributions of immigrant farmworkers and the dangers they face working in extreme heat.

An aerial view of a forested environment with a slash of deforested fields running throughout

New studies portray Amazon as surprisingly resilient, but tipping point looms

Three 2026 studies reveal that the Amazon can regrow quickly, but deforestation and warming could trigger a system-wide tipping point in the next 15 years.
A person looking at a laptop with the word Marketing on the screen

The data center industry’s PR blitz is backfiring

In an effort to counter souring public sentiment, a group called North Carolina Connects has been running ads on TV, radio, and social media promoting data centers.

Woman in business suit with a protective mask over her face

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

For decades, communities have relied on the agency's cancer risk estimates to hold polluters accountable. This year, it's missing.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.