Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Climate change is projected to significantly impact health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with an estimated 4.1 billion to 5.2 billion cases and 14.5 million to 15.6 million deaths attributable to climate change by 2050 [46][48] - The economic cost of health impacts due to climate change is projected to reach between USD 8.6 trillion and USD 15.4 trillion under the SSP3 scenario, and between USD 11.0 trillion and USD 20.8 trillion under the SSP2 scenario by 2050 [47][48] - Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are expected to bear the majority of the health impacts, with Sub-Saharan Africa projected to account for approximately 71% of all cases and nearly half of all deaths caused by climate change [48][52] Summary of Key Findings - The report identifies significant health impacts from climate change, necessitating immediate action at both global and country levels [46] - The analysis covers 69 LMICs, representing 96% of the total population of all LMICs, and estimates impacts for different time periods: 2026-2030, 2026-2050, and 2026-2100 [43][59] - The findings indicate that the health impacts of climate change are likely to be underestimated, as the analysis does not include all potential health risks [49][51] Policy Implications and Future Directions - The report emphasizes the need for countries to adopt bold measures to limit climate change impacts and enhance the resilience of health care systems [23][52] - Investments in climate-resilient health systems are crucial for LMICs to effectively address the projected health impacts of climate change [52][52]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the care sector in Saudi Arabia Core Insights - The demand for care services in Saudi Arabia is sharply increasing due to demographic changes and rising female labor force participation, with the population of children under 14 projected to grow significantly and the population of older persons expected to exceed 10 million by 2050 [30][90] - The care provision landscape is characterized by a high reliance on unpaid care work, predominantly performed by women, and a significant share of low-skilled domestic workers, with only 6% of the workforce in health and social work being trained professionals [45][47] - The report emphasizes the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in addressing skill gaps and professionalizing the care workforce, proposing a framework to assess skills needs, increase training opportunities, and diversify curricula [58][62] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - A well-functioning care sector enhances quality of life, allows caregivers to pursue careers, increases labor force participation, and reduces the gender wage gap [26][30] - The report highlights the urgent need for trained care workers, estimating a shortage of 1.1 million additional trained professionals to meet the growing demand [56][57] Introduction - The care economy is crucial for addressing the needs of children, older persons, and individuals with disabilities, yet it is often underemphasized by policymakers [69][72] - Quality care services contribute to economic growth and improve work-life balance, particularly for women who are often the primary caregivers [73][74] Demand for Care - The population of potential care recipients is rising rapidly, with significant increases projected for both children and older persons [90][91] - Labor market shifts, particularly the entry of women into the workforce, are tightening the availability of care providers [91][92] Care Provision Landscape - The care workforce is predominantly composed of unpaid caregivers, low-skilled domestic workers, and a small share of trained professionals, with a significant reliance on migrant labor [46][49] - The report notes that almost half of paid care work is performed by untrained domestic workers, raising concerns about the quality of care services [45][48] Professional Care Services - There is a high demand for professional care services, with many vacancies remaining unfilled, indicating a critical shortage of trained professionals in the care economy [55][56] - The report estimates that the trained care workforce needs to increase from 2.2 million to approximately 3.3 million to meet the demand [56][57] Skills Development - TVET is identified as a strategic approach to train individuals for the care economy, addressing current skill gaps and improving service delivery [58][60] - The report proposes the A.I.D.E framework to enhance the care workforce through assessing skills needs, increasing training opportunities, diversifying curricula, and engaging with stakeholders [62][64]

Policy Research Working Paper 10982 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Fiscal Policy's Role in Economic Resilience to Climate Shocks Armon Rezai Franz Ruch Rishabh Choudhary John Nana Darko Francois Economic Policy Global Department November 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Policy Research Working Paper 10982 Abstract The impacts of climate change on developing economies are becoming increasingly severe, creating challenges for risk management and requiri ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The deployment of green technologies is essential for addressing climate change, with trade policy playing a crucial role in facilitating the diffusion of these technologies in emerging markets [7][10] - High tariffs negatively impact the import of green value chain products, particularly for undiversified firms, suggesting that emerging market governments should avoid protectionist policies [2][8] - The study highlights the importance of firm-level responses to trade policies, indicating that firms' import behavior is significantly influenced by tariffs compared to non-tariff measures [54][55] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the increasing use of trade policy to restrict imports of green technologies in high-income countries, which poses challenges for emerging markets that rely on imports for green technology access [7][8] Data - The analysis is based on novel firm-level import transaction data from 35 emerging markets covering the period 2017-2021, focusing on tariffs and non-tariff measures [21][22] Stylized Facts - The share of green products in total imports increased in most countries between 2017 and 2021, with significant variations across countries and value chains [33][34] - Tariffs on green value chain products have been consistently lower than those on other products, with a widening gap over time [38][39] Empirical Methodology - A firm-product dynamic structural gravity model is employed to analyze the impact of trade policy on firms' green technology import behavior at both intensive and extensive margins [42][43] Results - Firms' imports of green value chain products are most responsive to tariffs, with a one standard deviation decrease in tariffs associated with a 3.3% increase in imports [54] - The solar value chain shows the highest sensitivity to trade policies, with significant responses to both tariffs and non-tariff measures [55][56] - Indian firms exhibit a unique response to tariffs, increasing imports despite rising tariffs, particularly in the solar value chain [57][59]

Policy Research Working Paper 10980 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Building Women's Skills for Economic Inclusion and Resilience Megan Lang Julia Seither Public Disclosure Authorized Development Economics Development Research Group November 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Policy Research Working Paper 10980 Abstract Can skills-based programs promote women's economic inclusion? This study randomizes access to a program teaching entrepreneurship skills in rural Uganda. The program ...

Policy Research Working Paper 10981 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Behaviorally Informed Messages Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions Insights from a Global Meta-Analysis Daniel Alejandro Pinzon Hernandez JungKyu Rhys Lim Michelle Dugas Ellen Moscoe Mohamad Chatila Corey Cameron Renos Vakis Zeina Afif Victor Hugo Orozco Olvera | --- | --- | --- | |-----------------------|-------|------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | Development Economics | ...

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The paper discusses the tension between the principles of sovereignty, equality, and self-determination in the context of national governments' interactions with indigenous communities and the role of multilateral agencies in development [2][6] - It proposes an analytical framework to reconcile competing rights-based commitments in low-income countries, particularly in education, health care, and environmental protection [2][9] Summary by Sections Introduction - The introduction highlights the disparity in economic and human development capacities among states and groups, emphasizing the role of development interventions in addressing these disparities [7] - The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are presented as a universal framework that requires states to implement initiatives to achieve various development objectives [7][9] Arguments Against Interventions - The report outlines arguments against national governments intervening in the affairs of indigenous groups, emphasizing the importance of respecting their autonomy and cultural values [10][12] - It discusses the potential negative impacts of development interventions on indigenous communities, including the imposition of foreign policies that may undermine their traditional practices [13][15] Indigenous Groups and Legal Protections - Indigenous peoples are identified as a significant demographic, with approximately 476 million individuals across 90 countries, yet lacking a universally accepted definition [16][24] - The report details the legal protections available to indigenous groups under national constitutions and international law, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [24][23] Sovereignty, Equality, and the Right to Self-Determination - The paper emphasizes the interconnectedness of sovereignty and self-determination, arguing that indigenous groups should have the right to govern themselves and determine their own development paths [25][28] - It discusses the limitations of indigenous sovereignty within the context of state authority and the challenges faced by indigenous groups in asserting their rights [27][35] Arguments for Interventions - The report presents arguments in favor of state intervention in indigenous affairs, particularly in cases where health risks are involved or when indigenous rights are at stake [28][40] - It highlights the responsibility of states to protect indigenous communities from external threats, including environmental degradation and climate change [38][40]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Plastic pollution is recognized as a critical global environmental challenge, prompting international efforts to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, referred to as the 'Plastic Treaty' [18][29]. - The report identifies eleven key tools designed to assist national governments in planning actions to address plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to navigate the complexities of the issue [19][20]. - A systematic four-step process is proposed for action planning: conducting a baseline analysis, assessing potential solutions, determining financial needs, and implementing actions while monitoring impacts [22][40]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report highlights the global challenge of plastic pollution and the various tools developed to assess and implement solutions [18][19]. - It aims to support national governments in planning actions against plastic pollution by providing information on specific tools available for this purpose [20][30]. Introduction - The introduction outlines the establishment of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop the Plastic Treaty and the need for various tools to assess and address plastic pollution [29][30]. - It emphasizes the importance of understanding the scale and nature of plastic pollution to inform effective decision-making [31][32]. Typical Steps for Action Planning - The report details a four-step framework for action planning: baseline analysis, solution assessment, financial needs determination, and implementation with monitoring [40][41][42]. - Each step requires consideration of various factors, including stakeholder engagement, institutional contexts, and the nature of plastic flows [37][39]. Tools to Conduct a Baseline Analysis - The report categorizes tools for baseline analysis into two main groups: assessing plastic flows and leakage, and understanding institutional and governance contexts [49][50]. - Key tools identified include the Hotspotting Tool, Material Flow Analysis Tool, and others that assist in understanding the current situation regarding plastic pollution [47][48][50]. Tools to Assess Potential Solutions - The report discusses tools that help prioritize impactful policies and measures to reduce plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive action plan [41][42]. - It highlights the importance of comparing different potential actions and setting appropriate targets as part of the action planning process [41][42]. Financial Needs and Implementation - The report stresses the necessity of determining financial needs and investment plans for implementing the action plan effectively [42][43]. - It notes that ongoing efforts are required to develop tools that assist in identifying financing sources and support the implementation stage [25][26].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Core Insights - The agricultural sector is crucial for the labor force and economic output in low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it accounts for about 50% of the labor force [6] - The World Bank's LSMS-ISA program has been instrumental in collecting high-quality, nationally representative data on agricultural productivity and household welfare across seven Sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2021 [2][7] - The harmonized panel dataset includes over 200,000 agricultural plot observations, over 400,000 individuals, and about 59,000 households, enabling in-depth analysis of agricultural dynamics and welfare outcomes [2][8] Summary by Sections Background and Summary - The agricultural sector is vital for poverty alleviation, food security, and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many extreme poor rely on agriculture for income [6] - The LSMS-ISA program addresses the historical lack of high-quality data necessary for informed research and policy interventions [7] Data Collection and Structure - The harmonized panel dataset (HP) covers seven countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, representing 39% of the population and nearly a third of the poor in Sub-Saharan Africa [8] - The HP consists of four datasets: household, individual, agricultural plots, and crops on each plot, allowing for detailed analysis of agricultural productivity and household welfare [9][40] Survey Methodology - The HP includes 29 waves of longitudinal surveys conducted between 2008 and 2021, with varying timeframes across countries [12] - Surveys were designed to be nationally representative, employing a stratified two-stage probability sampling approach [18] Data Processing and Harmonization - The HP datasets were created by cleaning and harmonizing nearly 150 indicators, ensuring they are ready for analysis [9][41] - Key identifiers and geospatial variables are included to facilitate longitudinal tracking and integration with geospatial data [42][55] Agricultural and Household Variables - The datasets include a wide range of agricultural variables, such as crop production, labor inputs, and agricultural practices, as well as household welfare indicators like consumption and asset ownership [66] - The household-level dataset captures critical variables for analyzing livelihood outcomes, including access to electricity and household consumption values [66] Individual-Level Insights - The individual-level dataset provides demographic information, work and employment data, and anthropometric measurements for children, allowing for comprehensive analysis of household members' welfare [69]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the sustainable rice market, but it highlights significant investment opportunities in sustainable rice cultivation and financing [15][18]. Core Insights - The sustainable rice market is integral to global food systems, with rice being a staple for 3.5 billion people and contributing to about one-fifth of the global calorie supply [10][11]. - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is actively exploring investment opportunities in the rice sector, focusing on sustainable practices and climate-smart agricultural methods [15][34]. - The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) aims to promote sustainable rice cultivation and has seen increasing market presence, although the current SRP-verified portion of the market remains small [24][27]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Rice is crucial for food security and livelihoods, with significant contributions to global calorie supply and greenhouse gas emissions [10][14]. - The report emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to reduce methane emissions and enhance resilience in rice farming [14][15]. Introduction - Rice is a vital staple food globally, with over 1.5 billion people relying on it for their livelihoods, primarily in Asia and the Pacific [12][35]. - The report outlines the importance of rice in the World Bank Group's Climate Change Action Plan, focusing on sustainable farming systems [33][34]. Rice Supply Chain - The rice supply chain includes production, collection, milling, processing, and distribution, with various sourcing models employed by millers [75][99]. - Commercial rice mills are characterized by vertical integration, controlling multiple stages of the supply chain from farming to retail [99][100]. Key Impacts of Rice Cultivation - Rice cultivation significantly impacts greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, necessitating sustainable practices to mitigate these effects [14][36]. The Sustainable Rice Platform - The SRP Assurance Scheme was launched to verify compliance with sustainable rice standards, with a small but growing area under verification [21][24]. - The SRP has gained traction in the retail market, with verified rice labels available in multiple countries [27]. Selected Financing Opportunities for Sustainable Rice - Supplier finance is identified as a potential investment opportunity to promote climate-smart practices in the rice sector [18][19]. - The GTSF program offers short-term financing linked to environmental and social performance, encouraging sustainable practices among suppliers [19][20]. Conclusion - The report suggests that further support for the sustainable rice market can be achieved through the deployment of financing instruments and the development of new modules for climate finance [28][30].