Science20 (S20) 2025 Statement: Climate Change and Well-being

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is pleased to announce the final endorsed 2025 Science20 (S20) Statement, focusing on Climate Change and Well-being. This statement highlights urgent, science-based strategies to address climate risks and advance global sustainability and human well-being.

Climate change continues to pose profound threats to human health, ecosystems, and socio-economic stability, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. The S20 Statement outlines five priority areas with actionable recommendations:

• Human and Environmental Health — Strengthening monitoring systems, clean technologies, disaster response and One Health approaches.
• Food, Water, and Energy Nexus — Promoting climate-smart agriculture, resource-efficient urban planning and resilient food systems.
• Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and Vulnerable Populations — Ensuring their knowledge, participation and protection in climate adaptation strategies.
• Climate Change Adaptation — Enhancing infrastructure, early warning systems and ecosystem restoration to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Climate Change Mitigation — Accelerating emission reductions, adopting renewable and low-emission technologies and exploring circular solutions including the circular carbon economy.

The S20 Statement emphasizes that addressing climate change presents opportunities for innovation, health co-benefits and sustainable economic development, while underscoring the importance of global cooperation, inclusivity, and science-driven policy.

The Statement has been endorsed by the 19 S20 member countries as well as the European Union and African Union - Education, Science, Technology and
Innovation (ESTI).

📄 Read the full S20 2025 Statement here

🌐 Visit the S20 South Africa website