Recently, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), leaving a financial gap that China quickly stepped in to fill. President Trump labeled SPREP and other UN bodies as contrary to U.S. interests, leading to this significant shift. The U.S. had been a major funder, contributing about $190,000 in 2024, which constituted roughly 15% of SPREP’s total member state funding. In contrast, China donated $200,000 this year along with an additional fund for future needs.
News of the donation was reported by Samoa’s government-owned newspaper, Savali, shortly after the U.S. announcement. China’s Ambassador to Samoa presented the check at a small ceremony, underscoring the importance of their financial contributions for SPREP’s operations.
Experts are concerned about the implications of the U.S. exit. Al Gillespie, a pro-vice chancellor at Waikato University, remarked that this shift creates voids that other nations will fill. He noted that if countries like New Zealand and Australia don’t step up, China could become a leader in these critical areas.
Concerns about the future of SPREP were raised when RNZ Pacific inquired about New Zealand and Australia’s plans. New Zealand stated it wasn’t worried and hadn’t been asked to fill any gaps, while Australia was still evaluating the situation.
This situation is part of a larger trend where funding for international organizations is becoming more competitive. According to a recent report by the United Nations, global funding for climate initiatives has declined by 25% in the last five years. As major players withdraw or reduce their contributions, smaller nations might find themselves increasingly reliant on nations like China.
Both the Samoan government and the Chinese Embassy have not yet commented on this development. Meanwhile, SPREP has refrained from discussing the U.S. withdrawal, maintaining that no formal notice has been received.
As this unfolds, the dynamics of environmental funding and international cooperation in the Pacific will be closely watched. The choices of funding sources can greatly impact policy and action on climate change in the region.
For more insights on climate funding trends, you can read the latest from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
