President Biden may remove Trump-appointed World Bank Chief over stance on climate change

A source close to the Biden administration told Axios they President Biden has given thought to removing World Bank President David Malpass, citing concerns about his “weak” stance on climate change.

Former Vice President Al Gore, who referred to Malpass as “a climate denier” this week, has been rumored to be a possible replacement.

After these rumors surfaced, Gore’s spokesman released a statement saying, “VP Gore strongly believes that there needs to be new leadership at the World Bank but has no intention of pursuing the role himself and would not accept it if offered.”

At a New York Times climate event on Tuesday, following Gore’s remark about Malpass’s skepticism, Malpass was asked on several occasions by moderators if he believed in the scientific consensus that the burning of fossil fuels was warming the planet. Malpass responded, by saying, “I don’t even know. I’m not a scientist.”

The Times’ climate reporter who asked Malpass the question tweeted that his intention was to give Malpass the “opportunity to respond to Gore.” 

“Today I asked World Bank president @DavidMalpassWBG if he believed in the scientific consensus that the man made burning of fossil fuels is rapidly and dangerously warming the planet. ‘I’m not a scientist,’ he said.” David Gelles tweeted.

The response given by Malpass attracted criticism as climate change groups and activists demanded he be relieved of his duties.

Malpass is not a stranger to criticism in relation to climate change. Last year, more than 70 groups sent a letter to World Bank governors and executive directors pressing them to replace Malpass for “failing to take adequate action on climate change.”

Gore has hit out Malpass previously. At a Financial Times conference last year, Gore said the World Bank was “missing in action” and “needs new leadership.”