South Africa has successfully lobbied for environmental crimes and air quality issues to be formally adopted onto the G20 agenda – marking the first time these concerns have received such recognition at the global economic forum.
The breakthrough was achieved under South Africa’s presidency of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group, culminating in two landmark declarations: the Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment and the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality.
South Africa’s Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George said on Monday that these issues “speak to the daily realities of our citizens—the air they breathe, the safety of their natural heritage and the rule of law that protects it.”
“Under South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group, we brought these critical issues to the top of the global agenda, protecting our people and our environment, ensuring that justice and health walk hand in hand,” George said.
Environmental crimes – such as illegal wildlife trade, deforestation, unregulated mining and waste trafficking – pose a growing threat to biodiversity, community livelihoods and global economic stability.
Air pollution, meanwhile, remains one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and undermining sustainable development.
The Cape Town declarations call for enhanced international cooperation, improved data and monitoring systems, and increased financial support for communities most impacted by pollution and environmental degradation.
G20 members also committed to integrating environmental protection across policy sectors and promoting equitable access to clean air and natural resources.
“These outcomes will inform the G20 Leaders’ Declaration at next month’s Summit in Johannesburg,” George added.
“This is what leadership looks like: practical cooperation that improves lives and strengthens the link between nature, people and prosperity.”
JN/APA