A global transition toward sustainable trade and supply chains is essential in the age of climate change and energy decarbonization. Low-carbon technologies (LCTs) and the related minerals are at the forefront of this transition, playing a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. The international trade of LCTs is pivotal in […]
By Timon Forster In 2023, 3.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest was lost around the world, which amounts to losing almost 10 soccer fields of forest per minute. Deforestation endangers the livelihoods of millions of people, especially in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). The stakes could therefore hardly be higher for the international […]
International financial institutions (IFIs) have in recent years increased the volume of their financing in an effort to support national and global policy challenges—yet surprisingly little is known about the environmental impacts of their finance. A new technical paper from the Task Force on Climate, Development and the IMF investigates the environmental implications of the […]
By Jiaqi Lu As the world faces the urgent challenges of climate change, global trade for low-carbon technologies (LCTs) is becoming increasingly critical to meeting the surging demand for clean energy. Low-carbon technologies, ranging from renewable energy to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable development. […]
By Akanksha Goyal With research projects spanning from Ghana to Greece, the 2024 cohort of Summer in the Field Fellows have successfully completed their fellowships. Sponsored by the Boston University Global Development Policy Center, the Summer in the Field Fellowship Program offers stipends ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 to a select group of Boston University […]
By Vasudha Ramakrishna Funerals are big events in Ghana, very extravagant and expensive, with people often borrowing heavily to carry out elaborate celebrations, planning them for months, sometimes years. Careful thought is given to ensuring colorful billboards announcing the funeral arrangements, drinks, food, music and dance, elaborate caskets, inviting a large guest list, and a […]
By Tianyi Wu For those suggesting China has disengaged from its cooperation with Africa, Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a clear message at the recent ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): China is back and reaffirming its commitment to support “modernization” in African countries, offering its own development model as an example. How will this […]
By Bahar C. Erbas, Niccolò Manych, Kevin P. Gallagher and Rishikesh Ram Bhandary Retiring coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) is an effective solution for adhering to the temperature limits of the Paris Agreement. Development finance institutions (DFIs) can play pivotal roles in supporting governments in early phase-down initiatives. These approaches must consider social and environmental aspects […]
For fulfilling climate commitments and attaining net-zero emission goals, there is a global effort to retire coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) early. Given their unique business model and public welfare missions, development finance institutions (DFIs) have a crucial role to play in facilitating early retirement of CFPPs. What are the costs associated against three scenarios of […]
By Seynedhee Avenie Imagine navigating a bustling city like Addis Ababa, where the aroma of coffee and teff mingles with the dynamic rhythm of daily commutes. Yet, amidst this vibrancy, there lies a critical issue that often goes unnoticed: the unequal access to transportation experienced by different segments of the population. The focus of a […]