Kenyan President William Ruto has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismissal of global climate policies, calling his remarks dangerous and out of touch with reality.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump described climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” accusing scientists of exaggeration and claiming climate predictions are politically motivated.
Ruto, responding in an interview with France 24, rejected Trump’s position and stressed that facts cannot be erased by rhetoric. He pointed to floods, wildfires, and prolonged droughts as clear evidence of a crisis already devastating lives and economies across continents.
“No one, no matter how powerful, can change the facts. Climate change is real, and climate action is necessary,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan leader has positioned himself as a leading advocate for climate financing in Africa, where nations face the harshest impacts of global warming despite contributing the least to emissions. He argued that the focus must shift away from charity toward investment, framing climate action as both a moral duty and an economic opportunity.
“It’s no longer about aid. We are presenting practical proposals. Climate action is becoming investment, and opportunities are opening up as we confront this challenge,” he added.
Ruto also warned that the United Nations risks losing legitimacy unless it undertakes serious reforms. He pressed for a more representative Security Council and fairer international financial systems that reflect the needs of developing nations.
By taking on both climate denial and institutional inequality, Ruto positioned himself as a strong voice for the Global South on the world stage.
