G-20 leaders settle on communiqué after climate controversy

World leaders at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on Saturday issued a joint communiqué acknowledging the United States' differing stance on climate change. Negotiators attempted to reach consensus on the issue but were unable to reconcile the Trump's administration's approach with that of the other powers involved.

"We take note of the decision of the United States of America to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," the statement says, but the "leaders of the other G20 members state that the Paris Agreement is irreversible" and "we reaffirm our strong commitment to the Paris Agreement."

The "differences were not papered over; they were clearly stated," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel of the process. Unlike her French and British counterparts, Merkel does not seem to hold out hope President Trump can be persuaded to reverse his stance on the Paris climate accord. For his part, Trump on Saturday praised Merkel's "amazing" and "fantastic" leadership of the summit.

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On trade, another controversial point, the communiqué pledges to "fight protectionism including all unfair trade practices and recognize the role of legitimate trade defense instruments in this regard." The U.S. delegation agreed to that provision.