The Challenge of Low-Carbon Development - World Bank Internet ...

Chairman’s Summary: Committee onDevelopment Effectiveness (CODE)On September 15, 2010, the Committee on DevelopmentEffectiveness (CODE) considered the report ClimateChange and the World Bank Group—Phase II: The Challengeof Low-Carbon Development, prepared by the IndependentEvaluation Group (IEG), and the draft managementresp ons e.SummaryThe Committee welcomed the timely discussion of the IEGreport which, as noted by management, highlighted importantareas that are currently considered in the updates ofthe World Bank Group (WBG) Energy and EnvironmentSector Strategies. In this regard, members cautioned that,given the ongoing consultations, the IEG findings and recommendationsshould not be perceived as preempting thenew strategies but inform the ongoing process. They welcomedthe report’s emphasis on energy efficiency and itsperspective on a “venture capital” approach and endorsedthe call for a greater focus on results to complement thefocus on mobilization and transfer of resources. There wasappreciation for the report’s findings that many types of renewableenergy require concessional finance.The IEG evaluation sought to draw lessons from recentWBG experience (2003–08) with promoting the adoptionand diffusion of technologies and practices that reduceGHG emissions. Members noted that since the StrategicFramework for Development and Climate Change (SFDCC)was launched in 2008, it would be premature to evaluate theexperience with the SFDCC. IEG clarified that the report isnot an evaluation of the SFDCC but rather an assessmentof earlier activities to inform the implementation of theSFDCC. In addition, members agreed with managementthat addressing climate change as a development issue raisesthe questions of how to address the access agenda whiletaking into account low-carbon development. IEG clarifiedthat Phase I of the report considered this important aspect.Some members felt that the IEG evaluation should haveaddressed the World Bank commitments at the countrylevel rather than project-by-project, suggested guidance toemerging countries on how to support low-carbon growth,and looked at geothermal, biofuel, and biomass energy.There were also comments on global vis-à-vis nationalefforts; trade-offs of having a climate change agenda, energyaccess, and social development; the role of carbon funds;and shortcomings of current staff incentives and resourceconstraints. Different views were expressed on the WBG’sinvolvement in coal plant projects.Chairman’s Summary: Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) | xxiii