World Bank President, Dogged By Climate Questions, Steps Down Early

David Malpass, the embattled president of the World Bank, announced his intention to step down on Wednesday, roughly a year before his term expires.

Mr. Malpass was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to preside over the World Bank, which lends billions of dollars to developing countries, during a period of intense global need fueled by crises ranging from the pandemic to climate change.

Last year, Mr. Malpass became the target of intense criticism from climate activists and Democratic politicians after he declined to say whether he accepted the overwhelming scientific consensus that fossil fuels were rapidly warming the planet.

The exchange, during a live interview at a New York Times event, prompted scientists, activists and U.S. senators to call for his resignation. At the United Nations climate talks in Egypt late last year, Mr. Malpass continued to face questions about his views on climate change, even after he tried to clarify his position.

On Wednesday, Mr. Malpass said he would step down by June 30, roughly a year before his term would have ended.

“It has been an enormous honor and privilege to serve as President of the world’s premier development institution alongside so many talented and exceptional people,” Mr. Malpass said in a statement. “With developing countries facing unprecedented crises, I’m proud that the Bank Group has responded with speed, scale, innovation, and impact. The last four years have been some of the most meaningful of my career. Having made much progress, and after a good deal of thought, I’ve decided to pursue new challenges. I want to thank our staff and Boards of Directors for the privilege of working with them every day to strengthen the effectiveness of our operations in the most challenging of times.”