Johannesburg: As South Africa prepares for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the government has reiterated its call for increased climate finance to support developing economies, insisting that such funding should not result in new debt burdens.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr. Dion George emphasized the need for scaled-up, predictable, and accessible funding for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. He stated that these funds should be provided as grants and concessional finance, rather than new debt, during his address at the COP30 National Stakeholder Consultation in Johannesburg.
Minister George stressed that climate finance is essential for meaningful action and urged the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies to present a well-consulted plan that addresses the barriers faced by developing-economy countries in accessing such finance. He reminded developed nations of their legal obligation under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement to provide this support and highlighted the need for a New Collective Quantified Goal, as well as the Baku-to-Bel©m Roadmap, which aims to mobilize 1.3 trillion dollars annually by 2035, to be realized.
George called for reform of the global financial architecture to support developing-economy nations in taking decisive action against climate change while achieving sustainable development. He insisted that the world must move from promises to practice, with every decision at COP30 accompanied by a plan for implementation, financing, and accountability.
COP30, scheduled to take place in Bel©m, Brazil from 10 to 21 November 2025, will mark a decade since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Minister George highlighted the importance of operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring it is capitalized, accessible, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable nations, particularly in Africa. He emphasized the necessity of technical and capacity-building support to help developing countries effectively address loss and damage.
South Africa, in collaboration with the Africa Group, will continue to advocate for the continent’s special needs and circumstances, its limited historical responsibility for emissions, and the necessity for tailored support for adaptation and just transitions in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. George also asserted the importance of empowering the Santiago Network and its technical agencies to provide hands-on assistance where needed.
The Minister warned against unilateral trade measures that undermine sustainable development and contradict the principles of the Paris Agreement, advocating instead for cooperation, innovation, and fairness in achieving climate ambition.
George further emphasized the evolution of the Just Transition Work Programme into a practical tool for inclusive and equitable transformation, addressing the full social and economic dimensions of transition beyond energy systems. He called for partnerships with business, labor, and civil society to make this transition real and inclusive.
Additionally, the Minister encouraged support for the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement, advocating for transparent reporting to build credibility, attract investment, and strengthen policy. He also supported the adoption of a Gender Action Plan to ensure gender equality is integrated into climate action, recognizing the vital roles of women and youth in climate solutions.