Detox Development: Repurposing Environmentally Harmful Subsidies

Trillions of dollars are wasted on subsidies for agriculture, fishing and fossil fuels that could be used to help address climate change instead of harming people and the planet, according to Detox Development, a new World Bank report.

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New Report

Hiding In Plain Sight: The Missing Trillions For Climate Change

A new World Bank report, Detox Development: Repurposing Environmentally Harmful Subsidies, examines how subsidy reform can help safeguard the world’s foundational natural assets—clean air, land, and oceans—which are critical for human health and nutrition and underpin much of the global economy. In his latest blog, Axel van Trotsenburg, the World Bank’s Senior Managing Director, shares his thoughts on the potential of subsidies in mobilizing large amounts of money for climate action.

Villagers gather at a well in rural India. Photo: Shutterstock/Prabuddha

The Hidden Wealth of Nations

Groundwater’s Critical Role in a Changing Climate

Groundwater is our most important freshwater resource—particularly in times of drought. As climate change advances, policymakers need to understand better and manage this critical asset. A new World Bank report, “The Hidden Wealth of Nations,” examines the economics behind this precious resource.

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NEW REPORT

Distributing Carbon Revenues from Shipping

International shipping is the backbone of the global economy, but also contributes significantly to climate change. Putting a price on maritime emissions could put the sector on a more sustainable path and mobilize additional funding for the climate. Read more in our latest report.

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Making Cities Green, Resilient, and Inclusive in a Changing Climate

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Globally, 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions emanate from cities. At the same time, cities are being hit increasingly by climate change related shocks and stresses, ranging from more frequent extreme weather events to inflows of climate migrants. A new World Bank report provides policymakers with a compass for designing tailored policies that can help cities and countries take effective action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Learn more.

Globally, roughly half of working age women participate in the labor force, which is significantly lower than the male labor force participation rate of around 80%. This gap is virtually unchanged from what it was three decades ago. And there are sizeable differences in the level of female labor force participation across regions. Moreover, women tend to face inferior income opportunities and on average earn less than men. Explore more aspects of female labor force participation through this data story.