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51. Climate and Development KPIs

Author:
Ian Mitchell and Edward Wickstead
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
How committed are countries to tackling climate change at home and in developing countries? These tables provides nine key indicators on the world’s major economies spanning their climate contributions in three areas: emissions, policy, and international finance. Indicators are calculated to be comparable between countries with several expressed relative to population or economy size. Countries are ordered by the number of indicators on which they score in the best quartile, with indicators shaded for top quartile performance.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Climate Finance, and Economy
Political Geography:
Global Focus

52. Multilateral Development Banks in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations: Overview of Key Policy, Financial, and Operational Issues

Author:
Koldo Echebarria
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
This paper presents an overview of significant policy, financial, and operational challenges encountered by multilateral development banks (MDBs) in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS). The data indicates that MDBs have increased their involvement in financing FCS compared to bilateral and other multilateral donors, with the World Bank playing the most significant role. This is explained by financial and operational comparative advantages inherent in the MDB business model, despite their implicit biases and constraints. The paper reviews the strategies and framework documents adopted by MDBs to address FCS as a distinct development challenge, highlighting the complexity of translating knowledge advancements and lessons learned into operational categories and clear priorities. It also examines how MDBs are placed regarding the recommendations of the "peace-humanitarian-development nexus," which is central to the international consensus for addressing FCS. The evolution of the financial capacities of MDBs and the criteria for resource allocation in response to the needs of FCS are analyzed. The paper concludes by posing a set of questions that MDBs and their shareholders should consider as they develop reforms to meet FCS-specific requirements and strengthen performance and outcomes.
Topic:
Development, World Bank, Banking, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and Sustainable Development
Political Geography:
Global Focus

53. Estimating the Number of Women Household Biomass Producers, the Largest Segment of the Global Energy Labor Force

Author:
Philippe Benoit and Siyuan Ding
Publication Date:
01-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP), Columbia University
Abstract:
While tens of millions of people work in formal energy jobs around the world, another group that comprises a massive and key labor segment in this sector is often overlooked: women and girls producing biomass to meet the basic energy needs of millions of poorer households across the developing world. Some 2 billion people rely on biomass for cooking (and some for heating), making those who gather it critical players in the global energy supply system. Women and girls in many developing countries constitute the majority of people collecting fuelwood for household consumption—an often strenuous and time-consuming effort—and estimating their number could elevate the importance attached to improving their working and living conditions. While some initial estimates of this labor force have been made, analyses remain superficial. This report, part of ongoing research into energy for development and gender dynamics at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, attempts to improve this deficit, providing a systemic albeit rough estimation—given minimal available data—of the number of women household biomass producers. An analysis of clean cooking access rates, population figures, and average household sizes for both rural and urban areas in 92 developing countries estimates that 389 million women and girls undertake this work, which would represent the largest labor segment of today’s global energy system.
Topic:
Development, Labor Issues, Women, Energy, and Biomass
Political Geography:
Global Focus

54. How Cities in Developing Countries View Climate Change

Author:
Yoon Jae Ro
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)
Abstract:
The article explores the perceptions of climate change among urban residents in developing countries, focusing on health risks, economic disruptions, and personal responsibilities. It highlights the role of education, income, rural ties, and media exposure in shaping awareness of climate change. Despite willingness for climate action, government financial measures face resistance. Public trust in governments influences views on domestic policies, while international collaboration is seen as essential yet fraught with power imbalances. The study emphasizes tailored, region-specific strategies and equitable global cooperation to address urban challenges and foster effective climate governance.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Health, and Cities
Political Geography:
Global Focus

55. Exploring the role of international arms transfers in the non-market environment for international businesses across developing countries under authoritarian regimes.

Author:
Yoel Gonzalez-Bravo
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Institution:
Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Abstract:
This article is aimed at providing an analytical framework for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to exploit arms transfer deals as an alternative strategic tool for the protection of their investments against risks on their properties rights in developing countries with relatively weaker protective legal frameworks as well as under authoritarian regimes that mostly rely on the use of firepower for their survival. For this purpose, a literature review and a further analysis through the use of the Wilson-Lowi Matrix and game theory based on the previous review was conducted to explore how MNCs can hedge their exposure to expropriation risks in these countries. The analysis shows how MNCs should impact these survival probabilities by engaging with providers of defence goods and services, governments, armed forces and other players in the non-market context involved in the competition for the control of the State in these countries.
Topic:
Development, Authoritarianism, Arms Trade, and International Business
Political Geography:
Global Focus

56. Inclusion of Loss and Damage as a Subgoal in the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

Author:
International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD)
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD)
Abstract:
The policy brief demonstrates how incorporating Loss and Damage (L&D) into the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) being discussed currently at COP 29 will address not only the equity gap for developing countries, but also provide a well-rounded and well-defined climate finance landscape. By anchoring L&D as a distinct component within the NCQG, developing countries can secure finances to respond to unavoidable climate impacts and non-economic loss and damage, ensuring a more comprehensive and just response to the climate crisis.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Climate Finance, Equity, Loss and Damage (L&D), and Conference of the Parties (COP)
Political Geography:
Global Focus

57. Better Safe Than Sorry: Four fundamentals for scaling up anticipatory action

Author:
Lawrence Robinson
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
In the context of ever-increasing humanitarian needs worldwide, anticipatory action is being recognised as one of main the ways in which predictable shocks can be prevented from turning into crises, reducing both the impacts and the costs. Anticipatory action is a critical approach, bridging the work of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response, and showing great promise as a modality for nexus programming (for example, linking humanitarian to development). While a scale-up of anticipatory action is much needed, it also requires a truly decolonial and feminist approach that supports communities to uphold their rights. To meet this vision, Oxfam has laid out four interconnected fundamental principles for all partners and stakeholders involved in scaling up anticipatory action to use: Feminist and intersectional anticipatory action that is systematic in recognising the strengths and vulnerabilities of people in at-risk communities. It integrates vulnerability indicators to build anticipatory action systems which include at a minimum gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive, and gender-transformative approaches. Decolonial and locally led anticipatory action that challenges global-local power dynamics, recognises and places local leadership as the primary holder of knowledge and decision-making, and ensures funding is accessible for the local and national civil society organisations and communities at the frontlines of disasters. Holistic anticipatory action that does not operate in isolation, that recognises the holistic nature of the system, and responds to the complexity of risks and hazards and the interconnectedness of anticipatory action across disaster management cycles. Collaborative anticipatory action that prioritises common objectives, optimises resources, ensures alignment between efforts, and provides complementarity across the humanitarian, climate, and development sectors. Adopting these principles in the scale-up of anticipatory action will unlock some of the key challenges of the approach. The principles acknowledge the sectoral trends that call for sector-wide transformation in line with key principles, but overall, they are designed to ensure that anticipatory action is effective and fit for purpose. This paper calls for governments, communities, humanitarian, climate, peace and development practitioners, and the private sector to adopt the proposed four interconnected fundamentals in the scale-up of anticipatory action and support at-risk communities to uphold their rights. This principled approach to embedding anticipatory action into policy, practice, and legal frameworks is required to maximise the potential of anticipatory action and prevent predictable shocks from becoming crises.
Topic:
Civil Society, Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Assistance
Political Geography:
Global Focus

58. Climate Finance Unchecked: How much does the World Bank know about the climate actions it claims?

Author:
Christian Donaldson, James Morrissey, and Jason Farr
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
Oxfam finds that for World Bank projects, many things can change during implementation. On average, actual expenditures on the Bank’s projects differ from budgeted amounts by 26–43% above or below the claimed climate finance. Across the entire climate finance portfolio, between 2017 and 2023, this difference amounts to US$24.28–US$41.32 billion. No information is available about what new climate actions were supported and which planned actions were cut. Now that the Bank has touted its focus on understanding and reporting on the impacts of its climate finance, it is critical to stress that without a full understanding of how much of what the Bank claims as climate finance at the project approval stage becomes actual expenditure, it is impossible to track and measure the impacts of the Bank's climate co-benefits in practice. The Bank should improve its reporting practices, undertake a climate finance assessment on closed projects, standardize how it reports on climate finance in projects and create a public climate finance database.
Topic:
Development, Climate Finance, Accountability, Transparency, and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)
Political Geography:
Global Focus

59. Practical Guide for Formulating Public Policies to Prevent Violence Against Women

Author:
Igarapé Institute
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Igarapé Institute
Abstract:
Violence against women is a complex and devastating reality, manifesting in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Within this context, this guide presents programs and initiatives evaluated by renowned organizations such as the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL), the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and UN Women, highlighting approaches that have shown high effectiveness and efficiency in preventing violence against women. The goal is to use these practical experiences as a foundation for evidence-based public policy formulation to prevent violence against women. We begin by analyzing the risk and protective factors associated with violence against women. Using the “Pyramid of Gender-based Violence” by the Institute for Studies on State and Participation – Health as a framework, we explore the different forms in which these factors operate, from individual to structural. We also provide context for the legal landscape related to violence against women, emphasizing the role of the Maria da Penha Law as a regulatory milestone in Brazil. Based on examples of programs already implemented and evaluated worldwide, the guide underscores the importance of initiatives that promote women’s financial autonomy through access to employment opportunities, professional training, and entrepreneurship. It also emphasizes efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and foster relationships based on mutual respect and equal rights. The guide reaffirms the need for public policies focused on preventing intrafamilial and domestic violence, including strengthening the protection network for women with specialized support services and effective security measures. It suggests implementing educational and awareness programs on gender violence to transform environments where violence against women occurs, such as schools and homes. Additionally, it advocates for promoting safe and inclusive spaces. Finally, the guide highlights the importance of involving all sectors of society in implementing these policies, including the government, civil society, the private sector, and the community at large. Only through coordinated, long-term efforts can we create an environment where all women can live free from violence and with dignity.
Topic:
Development, Public Policy, Domestic Violence, Gender, Protection, and Violence Against Women (VAW)
Political Geography:
Global Focus

60. Enhancing the Benefits of Human Mobility through Development Interventions

Publication Date:
03-2023
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
MIT Center for International Studies
Abstract:
During each academic year, the Committee sponsors a seminar series on international migration, The Myron Weiner Seminar Series on International Migration, held at MIT's Center for International Studies. The seminars explore factors affecting international population movements and their impact upon sending and receiving countries and relations among them.
Topic:
Development, Migration, Displacement, and Mobility
Political Geography:
Global Focus