G-7 Science Academies call for actions on climate change, the oceans and ageing

In March 2023, the science academies of the G-7 countries issued three joint statements to their respective governments to inform discussions and policy-making during the G-7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. The statements, which were drawn up by the academies under the aegis of the Science Council of Japan, call for strategies to address systemic risks and improve decision-making related to climate change; restore and recover ocean biodiversity; and deliver better health and well-being for ageing populations.

Addressing systemic risks in a changing climate: Science and technology in support of cross-sectoral decision-making

The academies expressed grave concern about three global challenges: the increasing number of climate-related disasters; the COVID-19 pandemic and its global socioeconomic impacts; and the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its exacerbation of climate and health impacts. These three challenges highlight the need for action to reach climate targets, the statement says. It recommends multiple steps, such as increasing support for the improvement of models to project anthropogenic climate change’s impact on economies; establishing cross-sectoral frameworks at the local, national, regional, and global levels to link cutting-edge science with on-site decision-making and action; and enhancing technical cooperation and financial support, especially for the most vulnerable countries with a large resource deficit, in order to pursue shared objectives and take concerted actions.

Read and download the statement here.

Restoration and recovery of the ocean and its biodiversity

To restore and recover the ocean and its biodiversity, it is imperative that the G-7 governments take sustained, coordinated action, the statement says. For example, to shift towards sustainable fishing practices, governments should take measures to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; control large-scale commercial trawling and deep-sea trawling; and prevent overfishing. Governments should also adopt a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach to the management of the coastal marine environment, including the effects of agricultural runoff and other land-based pollutants, and establish clear governance structures.

Read and download the statement here.

Delivering better health and well-being of older people through wisdom sharing and innovation

The global population aged 65 and over is expected to increase from 10% currently to 16% by 2050, and the population aged over 80 is expected to triple in the next 30 years. The statement urges action to improve understanding of the complexity of ageing biology and the diversity of ageing trajectories in order to deliver sustainable solutions to the challenges of global population ageing. It also urges the building of a new social support system that promotes successful lives and social participation by older people through a wide range of community-based programmes and advanced technologies. Nations should also improve the socioeconomic status and well-being of formal and informal caregivers.

Read and download the statement here.

This article is republished from the website of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NAS), you can read here the original article.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.