Environment

South Africa is emerging as a leader in international efforts to cut carbon emissions and promote resilience to climate change. USAID works with South Africa to pursue climate-friendly development that minimizes greenhouse gases while maintaining robust economic development.

USAID also partners with civil society and higher education institutions, including the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa and the University of Cape Town, to build the capacity to understand and adapt to climate change through education and training programs and the introduction of innovative technologies. 

Global Climate Change

With its unique role in the region and the potential to serve as a model for other countries, the U.S. government has recently partnered with South Africa to accelerate their transition and support their development of a low-emissions development strategy. The program, led by South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs, will provide targeted technical assistance to enhance an existing foundation of analysis and policy work and expand South African capacities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors while promoting resilient economic growth.

Clean and Efficient Energy

South Africa plays a dominant role in the region’s energy sector as a major exporter of electricity to other member countries of the Southern Africa Development Community. USAID’s Africa Infrastructure Program is supporting significant structural reformation, including the establishment of South Africa’s independent system and market operator legislation and the roll-out of the South Africa’s Renewable Energy-Independent Power Producer.