Three studies show how to achieve a greener growth path by prioritizing investments in energy efficiency, expanding the use of cleaner energy, and improving natural resources management. They also demonstrate how to make climate action socially inclusive by addressing the social impacts of higher energy prices.
Growing Green: The Economic Benefits of Climate Action
Although the causes of global warming and its consequences are clear, climate action has been inadequate, especially in the Europe and Central Asia region. With prospects of a global climate agreement uncertain, this report identifies the actions that governments in the region can take to reduce the carbon footprints of their economies.
Energy Efficiency: Lessons Learned from Success Stories
Energy efficiency has been cited as 'the low hanging fruit’ for years and yet its potential remains outside the grasp of many of the World Bank’s client countries. Our clients often ask how successful neighboring countries have achieved their success, so this report is designed to do just that, through four country case studies where low energy intensity has been achieved and three country case studies where the decrease in energy intensity in the past 20 years has been astounding. The study analyzes the policies that were used to achieve these successes to help provide practical, evidence-based advice to others.
Balancing Act: Cutting Energy Subsidies while Protecting Affordability
Eliminating energy subsidies in Europe and Central Asia is a key step in moving towards lower carbon footprints. Yet governments in the region are concerned not only with raising energy efficiency but also with energy affordability, particularly for poorer households. This report shows how these different goals might be reconciled, and illustrates the fiscal benefits that countries in the region could reap in doing so.
