JOHANNESBURG: South Africa is voicing concerns over the potential impact of Donald Trump’s election on upcoming COP29 climate talks. With Trump previously calling climate change a “hoax” and hinting at withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, uncertainty looms over U.S. involvement, said South African Environment Minister Dion George on Friday.
International partners worry Trump’s administration could stall commitments from wealthier nations, which poorer countries rely on to tackle climate change. South Africa, among the top global greenhouse gas emitters, has already secured $11.6 billion, primarily in loans, to shift from coal to renewable energy — a model that could be adopted by other Global South nations.
While Germany’s recent political turmoil adds further complications, Minister George stated that Germany assured the EU would continue to lead on climate initiatives.
