By Edna Obiri
On January 20, 2025, shortly after taking office, newly elected President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement.
The purpose of this decision, as outlined in the order, was to prioritise “the interests of the United States and the American people” and to avoid “unduly and unfairly burdening the United States.” While this is not the first time the United States has withdrawn from the accord, this move sent shockwaves across the world.
As global leaders scrambled to reaffirm their commitment to climate action, Africa, and in particular Ghana, faces some of the harshest consequences of this decision. As a continent already on the frontline of climate change, Africa is seen by the world as the region to bear the brunt of this environmental and economic setback. To my mind, this is quite fair.
A continent on the frontline
It is fair to say that Africa is particularly vulnerable, as the continent contributes just 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.
Africa is home to some of the most climate-vulnerable nations, with severe droughts in the Sahel, devastating cyclones in Mozambique and Madagascar, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Climate change is not a distant threat for Africa—it is a lived reality.
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasingly frequent natural disasters jeopardise food security, water resources, and livelihoods for millions across the continent. Countries such as Chad, Niger, Liberia, Somalia, the Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and our beloved Ghana are particularly affected. President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement means a loss of crucial financial and technical support, leaving African nations to face this growing crisis with fewer resources.
Who will fill the gap?
One immediate consequence of the U.S. exit is the withdrawal of climate finance commitments. Under the Paris Agreement, developed nations had pledged to provide $100 billion annually to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change.
This commitment was recently increased to $300 billion per year by 2035 during the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The United States played a key role in this effort, contributing $1 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in 2014, with a further pledge of $3 billion for the GCF-2 period (2024-2027).
The GCF is vital to Africa’s fight against climate change, supporting renewable energy projects, climate adaptation, and disaster resilience initiatives. Now, with the U.S. pulling out, the continent faces a funding gap that threatens to delay crucial projects aimed at mitigating climate impacts. While the European Union and China have reaffirmed their climate commitments, it remains uncertain whether they can fully compensate for the gap left by the United States. Africa’s ability to transition to a green economy, invest in climate resilience, and protect vulnerable communities is now at significant risk.
Energy and economic setbacks
The U.S. exit also impacts the global energy landscape in ways that hinder Africa’s economic prospects. By prioritising fossil fuels over renewable energy, the world’s largest economy is backtracking on the transition to green energy.
This development has a direct effect on Africa, which has been attracting increasing investment in solar, wind, and hydropower. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco have made significant strides in renewable energy development. However, with the U.S. scaling back its commitments, African nations may struggle to secure the necessary funding and technological support for clean energy projects. As a result, Africa may face pressure to continue relying on fossil fuels, further deepening our vulnerability to climate change.
A dangerous precedent
Trump’s decision also sets a worrying precedent for other nations. If the United States, one of the world’s largest polluters, chooses to renege on its commitments, what is to stop other countries from following suit? For Africa, this could mean weaker global accountability in reducing emissions, making it even harder to achieve the climate goals needed to protect vulnerable communities.
Africa’s response: resilience amid adversity
The good news is that African leaders and climate advocates are not backing down. The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change issued a strong statement condemning the U.S. decision, reiterating Africa’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Ghana continue to implement ambitious climate policies, investing in reforestation, clean energy, and climate adaptation programs. However, Africa cannot do it alone. The international community must step up to ensure that the continent does not suffer the consequences of a decision it had no part in making.
The EU, China, and other major economies must reinforce their climate commitments, while African governments push for stronger regional cooperation on climate resilience.
The fight must continue
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a setback, but it must not be seen as defeat. Africa’s future depends on decisive climate action, global solidarity, and sustained investment in climate resilience. If the U.S. chooses to abandon its responsibility, the rest of the world, particularly Africa, must continue the fight. The stakes are too high to do otherwise. Let’s act now. A clean climate means better health for all. We’ve got this!
