Former U.S. President Donald Trump used his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to dismiss climate change, calling it “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” His remarks sparked sharp reactions worldwide, including a strong response from President William Ruto, who has been championing global climate action.
In his address, Trump attacked international climate policies and dismissed scientific warnings. He told over 150 global leaders, “All of these predictions made by the United Nations and many others, often for bad reasons, were wrong. They were made by stupid people.” He added that scientists changed terms from “global warming” to “climate change” because “if it goes higher or lower, whatever the hell happens, there’s climate change.”
President Ruto quickly countered these claims, stressing that evidence of climate change is undeniable. Speaking in an interview with France 24, he said, “I don’t think anybody, however influential, powerful or great, can change the facts. You cannot reverse the trends going on. Floods, wildfires, and droughts are ravaging continents. That’s a reality you can’t wish away. Science, facts are stubborn. Maybe it can slightly delay but as they say the train left the station. Climate change is real. Climate action is necessary.”
Ruto highlighted that African nations are taking proactive steps by framing climate action as an opportunity rather than a burden. “We are putting concrete proposals on the table, it’s no longer about charity. Climate action is turning into an investment. There are opportunities now even as we focus on climate action. I am confident about the future.”
Beyond climate change, Ruto emphasized the urgency of reforming global institutions such as the United Nations. He cautioned that without meaningful change, the UN risks losing credibility. “Unless the UN is reformed, its own survival is at stake. Two fundamental things stand out: decision-making, whole architecture about the organisation being representative, democratic and alive to the challenges of today and that’s why Africa has pushed for the reforms of the UN Security Council. Reforms of the International Financial Architecture.”
Ruto added that global leaders are increasingly aligned on the need for change. “The debate going on today is different from those happening a few years ago. In the past, people thought this was remote but today, looking at the statements in this summit, it’s clear that everybody from President Trump, Macron and other global leaders, including those from Africa, are united in one thing. We need to reform UN and its structure.”
By Lucky Anyanje