The United
States has postponed a $2.6 billion climate finance package intended for South
Africa, sparking speculation that the funds might be withheld altogether. Bloomberg News, citing sources, has
reported on the issue, which involves the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) linked
to the World Bank.
Earlier,
U.S. representatives blocked a $500 million portion from being approved,
crucial for triggering an additional $2.1 billion from various development
banks and financial sources. Efforts
might be renewed to approve the funding at the CIF meetings scheduled for June.
This potential confirmation aligns with several
strategies by President Donald Trump's administration to cut back on
multilateral climate initiatives, including the U.S.'s recent exit from the
UN's climate damage fund board.