The twin challenges of air pollution and climate change demand a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, and a particularly rapid phase-out of coal-fired power plants. Despite this, the Korean government continues to be among the biggest backers of coal-fired power plants around the world.
fossil fuel finance
New report: Korea’s international coal finance will cause up to 27 trillion KRW in health and climate damages annually
A new analysis finds that overseas coal-fired power plants supported by Korea’s public finance institutions could cause as much as 27 trillion KRW (nearly USD 25 billion) in annual damage to people’s health and the climate.
New Report: MDBs Continue to Shortchange Crucial Energy Access Solutions
While the MDBs endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals, this new report shows that from 2014 through 2017, MDBs directed just 2% of their energy finance toward the off-grid and mini-grid energy solutions.
Shortchanging Energy Access: A Progress Report on Multilateral Development Bank Finance
Overall, the MDBs are not financing energy access at nearly a sufficient level to meet the needs of energy-poor communities. Much of the energy access finance that is being provided is being directed to many of the communities that need it most. But even so, energy access is not reflected as a priority for the MDBs.
Civil Society Welcomes IFC’s Moves to Exclude Coal in Its Financial Intermediary Lending
“This is an important step by the IFC to redirect its investment to align with the Paris Agreement on climate change, and other financial institutions should sit up and pay attention,” said Alex Doukas of Oil Change International
Oil Change International Responds to EBRD Release of Draft Energy Sector Strategy
Yesterday, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) released a revised draft of its energy sector strategy. The draft of the new strategy is due to be finalized by the end of 2018, and will have bearing on billions of dollars in public finance for energy.
Letter: 65 Groups from 28 Countries Tell EBRD and EIB to Stop Financing Fossil Fuels
As EBRD and EIB prepare for their respective energy sector strategy reviews, 65 civil society groups from 28 countries released an open letter being sent to top EBRD and EIB officials demanding that they stop financing oil, gas, and coal projects.
Big Shift Global reaction to World Bank battery storage announcement
“While this new commitment is an important step forward, it’s not enough. Millions of people are currently being left behind when it comes to accessing clean, affordable energy. The World Bank must commit to significantly scaling up its finance to support energy access for those without it, particularly for distributed renewable energy solutions.”
Statement on the G7 Energy Ministers’ Reaffirmed Commitment to Phase Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies
“G7 countries must turn words into action and develop a detailed roadmap for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. For Canada, this responsibility ultimately lies with Environment and Clean Growth Minister Catherine McKenna and Finance Minister Bill Morneau,” said experts from the #StopFundingFossils coalition.
Oil Change International responds to court’s quashing of Trans Mountain’s approval
“De facto halting this dangerous project keeps open the only credible path for Canada to live up to its obligation to fight climate change. Building new, long-lived pipelines in support of ever-growing oil production and export is wholly incompatible with the rapid transition away from fossil fuels required.”