As the world grapples with escalating climate challenges, understanding the profound impact of climate change on the health and prosperity of people, ecosystems, and economies has never been more critical.

The theme for Science 20 (S20) South Africa, “Climate Change and Well-being,” delves into the profound and interconnected impacts of climate change on human health, environmental sustainability, and societal stability. It underscores the urgency of understanding and addressing how climate change affects essential resources like food, water, land, and energy, which are critical to human survival and the broader ecosystem.

As the host for the S20 2025, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) will lead discussions on how climate change directly influences well-being – spanning physical, mental, and economic health – especially in regions like South Africa that face significant climate pressures. The S20 will focus on the nexus of food, water, land, energy, and climate change, emphasising the need for integrated, cross-sectoral solutions that foster resilience and sustainability.

Key Focus Areas

• Human Health and Climate Change: Rising temperatures and extreme weather events (such as heatwaves, droughts, and storms) exacerbate health risks, including heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases like malaria, and mental health challenges stemming from displacement and climate-induced stress. This theme stresses the importance of integrating climate resilience into public health strategies.
• Equity in Climate Action: Vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities and indigenous peoples, bear the brunt of climate impacts. The theme highlights the need for equity in climate policies, ensuring that adaptation and mitigation strategies do not disproportionately burden those already most affected by climate change.
• Resilience and Adaptation: A central focus is on adaptation strategies that enhance the ability of communities and ecosystems to cope with current and future climate risks. This includes strategies for food security, water management, and sustainable energy systems that ensure long-term resilience in the face of climate disruptions.
• The Need for Holistic Solutions: Addressing climate change requires integrated approaches that cut across various sectors. The discussions will promote collaboration among science, policy, and global partnerships to find sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges, including transforming agricultural practices, safeguarding water resources, and accelerating clean energy transitions.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, for example, through renewable energy adoption, while adaptation includes measures to adjust systems and infrastructure to cope with ongoing climate changes. Both are necessary to build resilience and ensure a sustainable future.

The S20’s discussions will not only highlight the scientific and technological innovations needed to address these challenges but will also focus on creating actionable proposals for G20 leaders to promote sustainability and well-being across the globe.