• Business Business

UK makes pivotal financial decision that will significantly influence the World Bank: 'Every pound invested ... helps to catalyze far more from others'

"We look to other countries … to now make their pledges and complete this investment package."

"We look to other countries ... to now make their pledges and complete this investment package."

Photo Credit: iStock

The Guardian reports that the U.K. will contribute 1.98 billion pounds in funding to the World Bank over three years. This 40% increase in their previous funding is a big move for climate control finance.

The World Bank is an international organization owned by 189 countries. Its purpose is to lend money to its poorer member countries to fight poverty. Its research center advises countries in areas ranging from the environment to education. It is run like a cooperative, with member countries as shareholders, and the shares are based on each country's economy. 

The U.K. holds the fourth largest shares behind the United States, Japan, and Germany, respectively. This latest contribution will help with grants and loans for countries to meet the initiative outlined in the COP29 U.N. climate summit.

Do you think every home will have a heat pump by 2050?

No way 🙅

I could see it 👀

It depends on the cost 💵

Absolutely 💯

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Developing countries were promised $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, in part, from the multilateral development banks, and richer nations have faced criticism for not putting forth enough funding to handle climate issues in these places

With the U.K.'s current contribution, there is hope that other countries may follow suit. Adrian Lovett, U.K. executive director of the campaign group ONE, told the Guardian: "Every pound invested … helps to catalyse far more from others. We look to other countries ... to now make their pledges and complete this investment package."

The Guardian also reports that the COP29 U.N. climate summit came up with other funding ideas to help developing nations shift to a low-carbon economy and cut greenhouse gas pollution. Such ideas include taxing profits on dirty fuels, a levy on high-pollution activities like flights and shipping, a wealth tax, and redirecting subsidies from industries that overfish, waste water, and overuse dirty fuels.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives

Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar.

Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink.

Learn more

So, what can such funding do if these countries can secure it?

It can go into better infrastructure that can protect people from the effects of increasing harsh weather caused by an overheating planet and make clean energy more accessible. Places can gradually invest in renewable sources, from windmills to heat pumps to corn husks. Cases of illnesses such as asthma can go down with cleaner air indoors and outdoors. 

More tax breaks and credits for individuals and companies making proper conversions to clean energy can also provide incentives. One such example is the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States. 

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

FROM OUR PARTNER

There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand

Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand.

EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Learn more


Cool Divider