US President Donald Trump holds letter to the UN stating the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. As the world’s largest historical emitter, the U.S. disengagement undermined the Paris Agreement’s credibility and emboldened climate change sceptics, says Dr. Kumi Naidoo. Picture: AFP
Image: Dr. Kumi Naidoo
Dr. Kumi Naidoo
DONALD Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement marks a seismic shift in global climate politics, sending shockwaves throughout the world.
This move was widely perceived as a rejection of collective efforts to combat climate change, undermining the fragile global consensus on the way forward.
For Africa, a continent disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the withdrawal was devastating. It weakened international climate solidarity and threatened critical funding and technological support for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Now, as South Africa’s Just Transition programme faces uncertainty due to its reliance on international funding, particularly through the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), the question arises: what is the way forward to ensure a just and sustainable transition?
The Global Fallout of Trump’s Decision
Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement again constitutes yet another setback. As the world’s largest historical emitter, the U.S. disengagement undermined the Agreement’s credibility and emboldened climate change sceptics.
This decision created a ripple effect, injecting uncertainty into global climate commitments and financial contributions. For vulnerable regions like Africa, the consequences were dire. The US withdrawal strained the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international funding mechanisms vital for supporting climate resilience projects.
Africa, already grappling with climate-induced disasters such as droughts and floods, found itself further marginalised in the global climate finance landscape.
The withdrawal also had an effect on renewable energy development. While the US federal government rolled back clean energy policies and research funding, state-level initiatives and private sector demand helped maintain some momentum.
However, the US ceded its leadership in renewable energy innovation to China and the European Union. This shift had global implications, as the lack of US leadership slowed the pace of renewable energy deployment and technological advancements, particularly in regions reliant on international support.
The US may be a powerful country, but a global just transition towards a renewable future will carry on with or without them. A strong bloc of 16 nations, including climate-vulnerable states, have formally endorsed the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is through work in our nations and regions that we can accelerate the progress that is driven by those most impacted by the risks of the climate crisis.
The Impact on Africa
For Africa, Trump’s decision exacerbated existing challenges. The continent, home to some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable populations, relies heavily on international funding and technological support for adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The US withdrawal not only reduced available funding but also signalled a lack of commitment from a major global player, weakening the moral and political pressure on other nations to fulfil their climate finance pledges.
South Africa, as one of Africa’s most industrialised economies, faces unique challenges in transitioning away from coal-dependent energy systems. The country’s Just Transition programme, spearheaded by the PCC, aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind.
South Africa’s Just Transition: A Precarious Path
South Africa’s Just Transition programme is crucial to its climate strategy, aiming to decarbonise the economy while addressing socio-economic inequalities. The programme envisions a shift from coal to renewable energy, creating green jobs and supporting communities dependent on the fossil fuel industry.
However, the reliance on international funding, particularly through mechanisms like the GCF, makes the programme vulnerable to global political shifts.
The US withdrawal from the Agreement highlighted the fragility of this funding model. With one of the largest contributors stepping back, the financial burden on other developed nations increased, leading to potential shortfalls in climate finance. For South Africa, this uncertainty poses a significant risk, as delayed or reduced funding could derail the Just Transition programme.
Exploring Climate Financing Alternatives
Given the precarious nature of international climate finance, South Africa must explore alternative funding mechanisms and strategies:
The Broader Implications for Africa
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement underscored the importance of self-reliance and regional solidarity in addressing climate change.
Over-reliance on international funding is risky. Africa must prioritise domestic resource mobilisation and regional collaboration to build resilience against global political shifts.
Africa’s vast renewable energy potential positions it as a key player in the global energy transition.
By investing in solar, wind, and hydropower, African nations can address their own energy needs and contribute to global climate goals. South Africa, with its advanced infrastructure, can lead this charge, setting an example for other African nations.
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a stark reminder of the fragility of global climate cooperation.
For Africa, and South Africa in particular, the decision highlighted the risks of relying on international funding. While the United States rejoined the Agreement under the Biden administration, this episode underscores the need for complementary strategies to ensure a just and sustainable transition.
While it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for the challenges that the withdrawal of a powerful country from the Paris Agreement can create, the US government is not the only actor that enables global change and its involvement in Global South countries’ struggles towards climate justice is not the only avenue towards a renewable future.
The collective power of historically oppressed communities all over the globe is enormously influential.
South Africa’s Just Transition programme must adapt by diversifying funding sources, strengthening regional partnerships, and empowering local communities.
By doing so, the country can navigate global climate politics uncertainties and pave the way for a resilient, low-carbon future. The broader African continent must seize the opportunity to lead in renewable energy innovation, ensuring it is not left behind in the global energy transition.
Coal, gas and oil exploration in Africa have brought destruction and devastation of lives and livelihoods. Fossil fuels destroy our lands, and pollute our air and waterways – only to put the future of Africans at stake.
Along with adapting operationally and strengthening our local communities, we must call for our governments to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, to stop approving new coal, oil, and gas projects in the continent, to protect us and our loved ones from the devastating impacts of climate change.
The path forward is challenging, but with optimism rooted in community-building and genuinely equitable collaboration, a just and sustainable future for the region, and even globally, is within reach.
* Dr. Kumi Naidoo is the President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.