The world must get ready to tackle global warming, even without support from the US, according to Rachel Kyte, the UK’s climate envoy. Recently, South Africa revealed that the US plans to withdraw from a coal-transition agreement, walking away from a commitment of $1 billion.
Earlier this year, the US also canceled $4 billion in pledges to the Green Climate Fund, which is vital for global green initiatives. It’s uncertain what will happen to additional funding promised to Indonesia and Vietnam for their climate efforts.
Kyte spoke about the need for a new approach during an interview in Pretoria, South Africa. “We have to prepare for a scenario where the US isn’t contributing funds to the green transition,” she remarked. Despite changes in US funding and policy under the Trump administration, leaders outside the country plan to keep moving forward with their climate goals.
“The science didn’t change on Inauguration Day,” Kyte pointed out during the launch of a UK-funded study on the health effects of coal-fired power plants. She noted that while some US entities may be scaling back on their environmental commitments, global investment trends remain steady.
Kyte’s comments follow reductions in aid from wealthy European nations, including the UK, as they redirect funds to defense. She emphasized the need for a shift in strategy to keep climate finance on track.
“To drive climate financing, we need to tap into private investors, reform development banks, and create larger pools of capital,” Kyte explained. There’s been more discussion about making multilateral development banks more effective, focusing on being bigger, bolder, and better—though the impact of US participation remains uncertain.
She also advised against overestimating the consequences of the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement and other climate initiatives. While the US has promised substantial funding, much of it hasn’t materialized due to political opposition in Congress. “We must hope that one day the US returns with more than just promises,” she concluded, highlighting the ongoing need for international cooperation in the fight against climate change.
