US Holds Up $2.6 Billion Climate Aid for South Africa

The United States has stalled the disbursement of a $2.6 billion climate finance package intended for South Africa, sparking fears the funds may be withheld entirely. This development comes after US representatives blocked the payout of $500 million from the World Bank-linked Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to Pretoria. The disbursement of that fund could have unlocked an additional $2.1 billion from other financial sources. This delay adds to a series of actions by the Trump administration scaling back US participation in global climate initiatives, including exiting the UN climate damage fund. The move raises concerns about the future of climate support for developing nations like South Africa.

Source: Reuters