Greenpeace presses G20 to tax super-rich, step up climate action ahead of South Africa Summit

On the eve of the G20 Heads of State Summit, Greenpeace Africa activists painted “Tax The Super-Rich” on a major road leading to the Johannesburg Expo Centre, where global leaders are convening.

The message comes as negotiations at COP30 in Belém close with limited progress on phasing out fossil fuels and scaling up support for vulnerable nations.

The organisation says the G20 Summit offers South African President Cyril Ramaphosa a pivotal moment to lead on climate justice and push for a global wealth tax to unlock financing for climate adaptation, mitigation and public services.

“Public momentum to tax the super-rich is fast growing – the political will has to follow with concrete actions. Billionaires in Africa and beyond are getting wealthier by the day, while billions are struggling with the rising cost of living and the escalating climate crisis,” said Fred Njehu, Fair Share Global Political Lead at Greenpeace Africa.

He further noted that making the wealthiest contribute more would help raise the funds required to support climate action and sustainable development.

“The G20 Summit is President Ramaphosa’s opportunity to turn words into action and show that South Africa – and Africa – can lead the world, and secure a place in history,” he added.

New findings highlighted by Greenpeace show the world’s richest 1% captured 41 per cent of all wealth created between 2000 and 2024. In Africa, the five richest billionaires increased their combined wealth by 88 per cent in just five years.

Greenpeace argues that negotiations in Nairobi on a potential UN Tax Convention have shown “little interest” from governments in adopting a global minimum tax on the super-rich, a move they say could unlock billions for climate finance.

Lead Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, Cynthia Moyo, said African nations cannot continue absorbing the costs of the climate crisis while polluters profit.

“We cannot keep socialising costs while privatising profits… Tax justice is climate justice, and without bold action on a global wealth tax and making polluters pay, the resources needed to protect people and the planet will remain out of reach,” she stated.

A new Greenpeace International report released ahead of the summit warns that the 2035 climate action plans submitted by G20 countries would only cut emissions by 23 to 29 per cent, far below the 60 per cent reduction scientists say is required.

Climate Politics Expert at Greenpeace International, Tracy Carty, who is attending COP30 in Brazil, said: “When the G20 countries – responsible for 80% of global emissions – deliver collective climate action plans that fall dangerously short, the world has a problem… The choices of G20 countries, especially developed ones, will make or break the 1.5°C goal.”