Climate groups on Wednesday called for the ousting of the World Bank president after he repeatedly refused to say whether he believes man-made emissions are contributing to global warming.

Activists have previously called for the resignation or removal of David Malpass, who they believe represents an inappropriate way of dealing with the climate crisis.

The head of the World Bank is traditionally American, while Washington’s other major international lender, the IMF, is more European. Malpass is a veteran of Republican administrations in the United States and was appointed in 2019 while Donald Trump was President, who famously and repeatedly denied the science behind climate change.

The chorus against Malpass grew louder after Tuesday’s performance at a New York Times conference on climate finance.

Asked by a journalist to respond to former US Vice President Al Gore’s claim that he was a climate denier, Malpass said some of his critics “may not know what the World Bank is doing”. He boasted that his climate finance is “by far the largest” among international financial institutions.

After another attempt to get a clear answer failed, journalist David Gelles said: “Let me be as clear as possible: do you accept the scientific consensus that man-made burning of fossil fuels is rapidly and dangerously warming the planet? ?”

Malpass again referred to the World Bank’s work on this issue, prompting several people in the audience to yell, “Answer the question!”

“I don’t even know. I’m not a scientist,” replied a clearly frustrated Malpass.

The Big Shift, a consortium of climate groups, on Wednesday asked the World Bank board to remove Malpass over the comments.

“In order for the World Bank to maintain even a shred of decency, Malpass cannot remain president,” said Tasneem Essop, executive director of the Climate Action Network, a Big Shift constituent.

A separate group of activist organizations said they would unveil a banner at World Bank headquarters in Washington on Thursday that read: “The World Bank Group is led by a climate denier.”

Malpass’s term ends in 2024 and he can only be removed by a vote of the World Bank Board of Directors.

Climate groups have urged President Joe Biden to step up outside pressure.

Biden’s climate change commissioner, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, declined to comment on Malpass’s future during an appearance at the same Times event, saying, “It’s the President’s decision.”

The World Bank declined to comment on the situation when reached by AFP.