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G20 Summit in South Africa Adopts Climate-Focused Declaration Without U.S. Input
South Africa hosts G20 summit, adopts climate-conscious declaration despite U.S. objections. Trump administration absent, calls process “shameful.”
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-22
G20 Summit in South Africa Adopts Climate-Focused Declaration Without U.S. Input

The Group of 20 (G20) leaders concluded a summit on Saturday in South Africa, adopting a leaders’ declaration that addresses climate change, renewable energy, and the debt burdens of poorer nations—without U.S. involvement, in a move that White House officials called “shameful.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, hosting the first African G20 presidency, emphasized that the declaration could not be renegotiated, highlighting strains with the Trump administration. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson noted that “we had the entire year of working towards this adoption,” underscoring the intensive efforts to achieve consensus among participating nations.

Climate Change Takes Center Stage

Envoys from G20 member states drafted the declaration on Friday without the United States, using language long opposed by Washington. The text:

·       Recognizes the seriousness of climate change and the need for better adaptation

·       Praises ambitious targets for renewable energy

·       Notes the high levels of debt service faced by developing countries

The Trump administration, skeptical of the human-driven causes of global warming, had indicated opposition to any climate references. The White House did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

U.S. Absence and Summit Dynamics

President Trump rejected the summit agenda, citing discredited claims of persecution of South Africa’s white minority. The U.S. also opposed initiatives to help developing nations adapt to climate disasters, transition to clean energy, and reduce debt burdens.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola countered: “This G20 is not about the U.S. It’s about all the 21 members of the G20. Those of us here have decided this is where the world must go.”

EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen highlighted global dependencies, alluding to China’s rare earth export controls that could affect energy and technology sectors.

Next Steps and G20 Handover

South Africa will hand over the G20 presidency to the United States in 2026. Ramaphosa rejected a U.S. offer to send a junior embassy official for the handover, saying: “The president will not hand over to a junior embassy official. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated.”

Despite the U.S. absence, the South African presidency and participating members signaled that the summit achieved consensus on critical global issues, including climate action, renewable energy, and debt relief for developing nations.
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