The World Bank group called Climate Investment Funds planned to decide last Friday about giving South Africa $500 million. This money would help the country move away from using coal for power. The payment could start a much bigger deal worth $2.6 billion total for green energy projects. The extra $2.1 billion would come from development banks and other groups that want to support cleaner energy.
Officials delayed this decision earlier because South Africa changed its mind about closing some coal plants. The country wanted to keep three dirty power stations running longer than they first promised. American officials asked for extra time to think about the deal, and Friday became their final day to decide. Every country involved must agree to the plan unless they choose not to vote at all.
If everyone reaches an agreement, people expect an announcement about the decision today. Nobody wants to talk about what might happen—South Africa's leaders stayed quiet when asked, the Climate Investment Funds said nothing, and American officials never answered messages. This money matters a lot for South Africa's future energy plans.
If this money falls through, South Africa will face big problems. The country needs funds to build clean energy projects and shut down coal plants that cause heavy pollution. Right now, coal burning creates more than 80 percent of South African electricity. This means South Africa produces more carbon per person than any other country with at least 4 million residents. Their economy depends on changing this situation fast.
Officials delayed this decision earlier because South Africa changed its mind about closing some coal plants. The country wanted to keep three dirty power stations running longer than they first promised. American officials asked for extra time to think about the deal, and Friday became their final day to decide. Every country involved must agree to the plan unless they choose not to vote at all.
If everyone reaches an agreement, people expect an announcement about the decision today. Nobody wants to talk about what might happen—South Africa's leaders stayed quiet when asked, the Climate Investment Funds said nothing, and American officials never answered messages. This money matters a lot for South Africa's future energy plans.
If this money falls through, South Africa will face big problems. The country needs funds to build clean energy projects and shut down coal plants that cause heavy pollution. Right now, coal burning creates more than 80 percent of South African electricity. This means South Africa produces more carbon per person than any other country with at least 4 million residents. Their economy depends on changing this situation fast.
