With the United States pulling out of the Paris Agreement, Africa, despite being one of the least emitters of greenhouse gases, is facing heightened risks from climate change. President Donald Trump’s executive order to roll back environmental protections threatens to worsen the already severe impacts of global warming, which are particularly acute for developing nations. While this decision may satisfy some in the US, it leaves African countries vulnerable, as they face climate-related crises without the global leadership they once received from the US.

The withdrawal of the U.S. from international climate agreements sends a dangerous message, especially to African nations, which contribute the least to global emissions yet suffer disproportionately from climate disasters. As the world’s wealthier nations turn away from climate action, African leaders must now turn to new alliances. One such potential partner is China, which has demonstrated significant progress in combating climate change and can provide the support Africa needs.

The strategic partnership between China and Africa, formalized during the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing in September 2024, presents an opportunity for collaboration on climate change. In light of the US retreat, China’s role in promoting green development and sustainable infrastructure has become even more essential for African countries seeking to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.

At the 2024 COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the failure of developed nations to meet financial commitments for climate action highlighted the hypocrisy of wealthier countries. The Trump administration’s promotion of fossil fuel production, despite global calls to reduce carbon emissions, undermines international climate agreements and disrupts progress made by other nations. As a result, Africa faces even more challenges in securing the funding and technology needed to adapt to climate change.

The impacts of climate change are already evident in Africa, with more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. These events disrupt agriculture, food security, and water supplies, causing economic losses and displacement. For example, Kenya, one of the hardest-hit countries, has seen multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects washed away by floods, with no compensation for the massive losses.

This is where China’s support becomes critical. China has made significant strides in combating climate change, and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and FOCAC agreements offer African nations the chance to partner on green infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and low-carbon technology. By collaborating with China, African nations can benefit from the country’s vast experience in clean energy, agricultural mechanization, and reducing carbon emissions.

China has already established successful renewable energy projects in Africa, including solar and wind farms, and has helped build green infrastructure such as public transportation systems. China’s progress in reducing coal dependence and increasing its share of renewable energy is another example of how the country can assist Africa in meeting its climate goals. In addition, China’s expertise in electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, and hydrogen fueling stations can be valuable for Africa as it works to reduce its carbon footprint.

Through the BRI and FOCAC, China has committed to helping Africa develop sustainably while addressing climate change. With the US now retreating from its climate leadership role, China’s support is more important than ever.  African countries must seize this opportunity to work with China in creating solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.

— The writer is a Journalist and Communications Consultant.