Harare, 05 February 2025
Tackling Climate Change and Energy Transition Zimbabwe (TaCCET-Zim) view the recent move by the United States of America to withdraw from the Paris Agreement as a missed opportunity to solidify international cooperation and solidarity in tackling an existential global challenge. This is the second time the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change after initially pulling out on November 4, 2020, under the presidency of Donald Trump. However, on January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the agreement, which took effect on February 19, 2021. Again, on his first day back as president on 20 January, Trump signed a letter giving notice to United Nations (UN) of US exit from treaty seeking to curb climate crisis effects.
The US’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, while anticipated, will have a tangible impact on local communities in the Global South, particularly those living in areas affected by the country’s efforts to expand its renewable energy sector. For many rural and marginalised communities, the promise of affordable and reliable clean energy solutions offered a glimmer of hope for improved living standards, economic opportunities, and reduced vulnerability to climate change. In this context, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a significant setback for Zimbabwe’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This comes at a time where there is need for sustained international cooperation, funding, and technical support to help vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Zimbabwe’s transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is likely to be hindered without access to climate finance mechanisms and technical assistance under the Paris Agreement. This will exacerbate energy poverty in remote areas, widening the gap in energy access between urban and rural communities, and limiting opportunities for local economic growth.
Furthermore, the reduced global momentum and cooperation on climate action exhibited by the U.S. withdrawal will hinder Zimbabwe’s efforts to secure international partnerships and funding for community-driven renewable energy projects. This will exacerbate the strain on local budgets and decision-making autonomy, as communities will have to navigate a more uncertain and resource-constrained landscape. The ripple effects will also be felt in areas where large-scale renewable energy projects are being planned or underway. Local stakeholders, including farmers, indigenous groups, and environmentalists, are increasingly concerned that large-scale energy projects could harm their communities and the environment, and that without strong international oversight, their voices may be ignored.
TaCCET-Zim will intensify its advocacy for an inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven green energy transition in Zimbabwe. To achieve this, the coalition will strengthen partnerships with local authorities, private sector entities, and international NGOs to ensure equitable distribution of clean energy benefits and address the unique needs of marginalized communities. The US withdrawal presents challenges but also sparks local resilience and amplifies the call for a just, equitable, and community-driven green energy future in Zimbabwe.
Moving forward requires determination, collaboration, and a commitment to prioritizing local communities in climate action and sustainable development. The path forward requires even greater determination, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to placing local communities at the heart of the country’s climate action and sustainable development efforts.
Renewed Commitment to Climate Action: Zimbabwe together with other African countries must reaffirm their commitment to pursue their Nationally Determined Contributions and other relevant climate action plans.
Diversify Climate Finance: There is need to explore alternative sources of climate finance such as South-South cooperation, domestic resource mobilisation and pursue the Loss and Damage compensation.
Promote Sustainable Development: Global South governments should prioritize sustainable development, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem conservation.
International Cooperation: The international community must rally behind Africa, providing support and solidarity to help the continent address the climate crisis.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is imperative that we work together to ensure a sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient future for all.
The Tackling Climate Change and Energy Transition (TaCCET) Zimbabwe project is a coalition of civil society and community-based organisations coordinated by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG). The TaCCET coalition spearheads a climate justice movement, advocating for transformative policies that prioritize sustainable development, equitable taxation, and protecting the rights of Global South nations.
For more details, please contact.
Centre for Natural Resource Governance
CNRG Information Department,
Email info@cnrgzim.org
Cell +263 786 913 423
Twitter: @CNRG_ZIM
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Website: https://cnrgzim.org/