As the United States prepares to welcome a new administration, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) extends its congratulations to His Excellency Donald J. Trump, the incoming president. This inauguration marks a pivotal moment for global climate leadership. The AGN remains hopeful that the new administration will prioritize climate action, uphold multilateral cooperation, and unite nations in addressing the shared challenges facing our planet.
Climate change is a defining issue of our time—transcending borders and affecting every region. The devastating wildfires in California underscore that even developed nations are not immune to the consequences of a changing climate. Equally important is the need to champion multilateralism as the foundation for addressing climate change and other global challenges.
The looming changes by President Trump’s administration have stirred anticipations as to what might be embraced and what is left. As stated by Ali Mohammed Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, and Kenya’s Special Envoy for Climate Change in the AGN statement, the Paris Pact represents a shared commitment to protect the planet, promote equity, and ensure that no one is left behind.
“Turning away from these commitments is not only short-sighted but also a grave disservice to humanity and future generations. The AGN remains committed to working with the United States and other countries to ensure that multilateralism continues to serve as the foundation for global climate action, and calls upon the international community to reject isolationism and uphold the principles of multilateralism,” said Ali.
The AGN emphasizes the importance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other international platforms as vital avenues for collaboration and accountability. We call on the United States to engage constructively within these frameworks, recognizing that no single nation can tackle climate change alone.
Jiwoh Abdulai, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment, highlighted the necessity for long-term commitments from all nations, emphasizing that climate-related disasters do not adhere to political ideologies. He stressed the importance of sustained multilateral efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly by countries with historical responsibility for the climate crisis.
Across Africa, the impacts of climate change are severe and immediate—droughts, floods, and rising temperatures threaten livelihoods, food security, and ecosystems. The message is clear: addressing climate change requires global solutions.
Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist for Greenpeace Africa, reiterated Africa’s commitment to climate multilateralism. He criticized the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as counterproductive.
“Nations are making progress in tackling the climate crisis, and failure to do so will have catastrophic consequences. The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine global climate action pose a grave threat to our future. Africa, already bearing the brunt of climate impacts, will not relent in advocating for collective action,” said Njehu.
The AGN urges the new U.S. administration to lead by example in revitalizing global climate efforts and emboldening the commitment to climate actions. This includes reaffirming commitment to the Paris Agreement, championing bold emissions reductions, and supporting adaptation and resilience initiatives, particularly in vulnerable regions like Africa. U.S. leadership is critical in mobilizing climate finance, advancing clean energy transitions, and ensuring equitable implementation of global climate goals.
Faten Aggad, Executive Director of the African Future Policies Hub, expressed concern over the U.S.’s wavering commitment to the climate agenda, particularly given its significant role in global emissions. “The world cannot afford to see the largest per capita emitter and the second-largest overall emitter disengage from international agreements. The U.S. is responsible for 13.5% of global emissions—more than four times Africa’s contribution. Industrialized nations must demonstrate stronger leadership to compensate for these gaps,” said Aggad.
Dr. Joyce Kimutai, Climate Scientist at Imperial College London and the Kenya Meteorological Department, emphasized the urgency of climate action. She warned that while surpassing the Paris Agreement’s goals seems inevitable, inaction will have devastating consequences.
“Vulnerable communities, which have contributed the least to this crisis, are bearing the heaviest burdens. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are eroding developmental gains and pushing countries further into debt. Bold, immediate action is imperative to avoid massive losses and damages,” said Dr. Kimutai.
Africa stands ready to collaborate with the United States in advancing a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global agenda. The continent envisions a future where climate action yields tangible benefits for all—a future that leaves no one behind. As Dr. Kimutai noted, Africa’s immense potential and resilience position it as a key player in addressing this crisis.
The AGN looks forward to engaging with the United States under its new leadership. Together, we can build a world that is prosperous, equitable, and sustainable for generations to come.
