South Africa hosts the historic Science20 meeting, the first on African soil, focusing on pressing global challenges, particularly climate change. Leaders from the Academy of Science of South Africa emphasized the need for science-driven policy recommendations for the G20. The outcomes aim to ensure previous recommendations are effectively addressed and integrated into meaningful actions by policymakers.
South Africa has made history by becoming the first African nation to host a Science20 (S20) meeting, a significant assembly of national science academies from G20 countries. Scheduled from February 24-27, 2025, this year’s forum is dedicated to addressing urgent global challenges, particularly focusing on the vulnerabilities facing Africa. Leaders from the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) underscored the pressing need for actionable, science-driven policies to tackle climate change effectively.
Thokozani Majozi, President of ASSAf, emphasized that the S20 discussions must translate into practical recommendations for policymakers. He stated, “If the S20 does not succeed in articulating its position in a way that policymakers can understand and adopt, then, in my opinion, it would have failed.” He also raised concerns regarding the unpredictability of international aid policies and the need for adaptability in creating solutions across varying national contexts.
Francois Engelbrecht, the Director of the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand and a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, informed attendees about the necessity of climate policies that fully reflect the risks linked with diverse G20 regions. He remarked, “The science of future climate change is strongly rooted in the laws of physics,” expressing confidence in climate model projections that elucidate future risks.
Himla Soodyall, the Executive Officer of ASSAf, highlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges, advocating for a holistic approach to issues such as health, energy, water, and poverty. She stated, “Instead of looking at health, energy, water, and poverty in silos, we must integrate them within the framework of a poly-crisis.” Soodyall also expressed concerns about the lack of sustained action on previous S20 recommendations and emphasized efforts to incorporate these recommendations into ASSAf’s strategic plans to foster meaningful collaborations.
In conclusion, the S20 meeting in South Africa insists on the urgency of addressing climate change through robust scientific recommendations to G20 leaders. Stakeholders are committed to ensuring that previous recommendations are not overlooked and that the outcomes lead to impactful, collaborative efforts across nations.
The historic Science20 meeting in South Africa highlights the importance of addressing urgent global challenges, particularly climate change, through science-based policymaking. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among G20 nations and emphasizing interconnected global issues, the S20 aims to produce actionable recommendations that will influence future policies, ultimately striving for effective bilateral engagements and collective progress.
Original Source: www.nature.com
