By Justin Yifu Lin, Yan Wang and Yinyin Xu The Bretton Woods system, established 80 years ago in July 1944, is in need of an update. Even though numerous countries in the Global South have demanded reforms to make the system fit-for-purpose in the 21st century, progress has so far been slow. A case in […]
By Tim Hirschel-Burns The 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Group Annual Meetings will take place from October 21-27 in Washington, D.C. amid severe debt distress, lagging efforts to align global economic governance with modern realities, and a ticking clock to keep global climate and development goals alive. Several policy issues with important implications for […]
By Jiaqi Lu The exchange of knowledge, technology and resources among developing countries through South-South cooperation has been crucial in driving green development forward. Over the past two decades, China has emerged as a key player in South-South cooperation through its development initiatives, including development finance and recent support for renewable energy. A new special […]
The systemic impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are evolving profoundly, highlighting the vulnerability of public systems and governance capabilities in developing countries under multidimensional challenges. From a regional perspective, developing countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions are facing the dual challenges of development and climate change. At the same […]
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 […]