The World Bank needs to set bold new targets to help tackle climate change, UK International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has said.
Speaking ahead of Word Bank meetings in Washington at the weekend, he wants to see new global levels for investment in renewables and energy efficiency.
Mr Benn also wants extra funds available to help poorer nations adapt.
He said the scale of the problem of global warming needed to be "matched by the size and strength" of the Bank.
'Helping poorer nations'
Mr Benn is due to outline his proposals in a speech this morning at the School of Oriental And African Studies in London.
He is also calling on the Bank to expand its work on rainforest protection by piloting new ways to provide alternative incomes for people living in rainforests, rather than cutting them down.
Mr Benn said the World Bank's priorities should include:
"We know that continuing our current pattern of energy use will have devastating consequences for the Earth's climate and people's lives," said Mr Benn.
"The Bank should play the leading role in promoting cleaner and more efficient approaches, not just in energy - but in transport, carbon-efficient buildings and protecting forests too."
He added that the UK was ready to do its part through the new £800m Environmental Transformation Fund.
Recently announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown, it will provide resources for a range of activities being financed under the UK's Clean Energy Investment Framework.
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