The G20 summit in South Africa has made headlines by adopting a significant declaration on climate change, despite the absence of the United States. This decision marks a departure from tradition, as the declaration was agreed upon unanimously by the participating nations, even though the U.S. chose to boycott the event due to a diplomatic rift with the host country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the U.S. had objected to the wording of the declaration but stated that it could not be “renegotiated.” He highlighted the overwhelming consensus among the leaders present, saying, "There’s been overwhelming consensus and agreement that one of the other tasks we should undertake right at the beginning is to adopt our declaration."

The declaration, which was drafted without U.S. input, addresses critical issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and the financial struggles of poorer nations. Ramaphosa's spokesperson noted that the declaration was adopted unusually early in the summit proceedings, reflecting the strong support it received.

The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, has historically been skeptical of climate change discussions, and the inclusion of the term in the declaration was seen as a direct challenge to his stance. A White House official described the situation as "shameful," indicating the tensions between the U.S. and South Africa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is attending the summit, emphasized the need for inclusive and sustainable growth. He stated, "Now is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is inclusive and sustainable."

The summit also featured discussions among world leaders, including those from the UK, Australia, and Canada. South African officials reiterated that the G20 is about all its members, not just the U.S., and that the absence of one member should not hinder the group's progress.

As the summit progresses, the geopolitical implications of the adopted declaration and the U.S. boycott continue to unfold, highlighting the complexities of international cooperation on climate issues.