South Africa has announced the U.S. withdrawal from a significant climate finance deal intended to support its transition to clean energy. The initiative, called the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed to assist developing nations in moving away from coal. Despite losing U.S. financial support, South Africa remains committed to its clean energy goals, retaining considerable pledges from other nations.
The United States has officially withdrawn from a climate finance deal established to assist developing nations in their transition to clean energy, as confirmed by South Africa, the program’s first beneficiary. The agreement, known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed to facilitate the exit from coal for emerging economies. South Africa was the first developing nation to secure a JETP in 2021, representing a significant commitment to environmental sustainability.
Initially, the United States had pledged $56 million in grants to support this initiative and promised an additional $1 billion in potential commercial investments. In a statement, a unit within South Africa’s presidency emphasized that they were formally notified by the U.S. Embassy about the withdrawal on February 28, 2025, citing executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump.
In the context of international climate talks held in Scotland in 2021, the JETP initiative was backed by several wealthy nations, including France, Germany, Britain, Canada, and the European Union. Despite the withdrawal of the United States, South Africa retains $12.8 billion in pledges and continues to pursue its clean energy transition, seeking new partnerships with the private sector. South Africa’s Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa affirmed the nation’s commitment to this transition, stating it is not dependent on external countries.
The U.S.-South Africa relationship has faced challenges over various issues, including a land ownership law that has led to tensions between the two governments. Moreover, differences regarding foreign policy, particularly concerning the war in Gaza, have further strained the rapport. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains determined to advance its clean energy goals, emphasizing its critical need to address pollution as one of the world’s largest polluters, with approximately 80 percent of its electricity generated from coal.
In summary, the United States’ withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa marks a significant shift in climate finance initiatives aimed at developing countries. Despite this setback, South Africa is committed to continuing its energy transition efforts with other international partners, asserting its independence in pursuing clean energy and addressing environmental issues. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and domestic challenges underscore the complexities of international cooperation on climate change.
Original Source: www.france24.com
