ADB draft energy policy

The ADB plays a critical role in this historic period of greater need for development finance in the transition to a green, just and resilient future for the region. As ADB and governments are pursuing COVID-19-related stimulus and recovery initiatives, it is increasingly important to factor in economic and social costs so solutions that are beneficial to human health, the environment, and the economy are prioritized.

To do this, ADB has to prioritize its investments to economic activities that respond to climate, environmental, and social challenges of our times. Unfortunately, its development projects have received much criticism from civil society groups for financing development projects that aggravate environmental deterioration, widen health inequities, reinforce community displacement, harm local jobs, and infringe on human rights objectives.

The Global Alliance on Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) sends our submission to ADB’s draft Energy Policy. The scope of this review is on WTE — which our global alliance of 800 organizations worldwide (in partnership with grassroots organizations, scientific communities,
and local governments) have been pushing to be phased out in order to reduce plastic pollution and establish Zero Waste systems.