The US has withdrawn from a climate agreement that helps developing nations, South Africa says

JOHANNESBURG — The United States has withdrawn from a climate agreement where rich nations have pledged billions of dollars to help a small group of developing countries switch from coal to green energy sources in a possible blueprint for future deals to cut carbon emissions, one of the participating countries said Thursday. South Africa said it had received notice that the U.S. had withdrawn from the International Partners Group, a bloc of rich countries that has pledged money for energy transitions in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam and Senegal. The U.S. withdrawal from the IPG meant South Africa would lose more than $1 billion in future investment pledges from the U.S. to gradually decommission its polluting coal-fired power stations in favor of renewable energy, according to a statement from the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Phiri said grant projects in South Africa that were previously funded “and in planning or implementation phases have been canceled.” The U.S. had canceled future funding for Indonesia’s energy transition program that had been provided through the United States aid agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, said Fabby Tumiwa, executive director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform, a climate-focused non-profit. “South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a just and equitable energy transition,” said Joanne Yawitch, the head of the Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit in South Africa.