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G20 summit: Scientists call for urgent action against climate change
G20 science academies will present recommendations for mitigating climate change at the summit in Johannesburg on November 6, 2025.
G20 summit: Scientists call for urgent action against climate change
The upcoming G20 summit on November 22nd and 23rd, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa is getting closer and closer. In this context, the science academies of the G20 countries, including the Leopoldina, have drawn up a comprehensive statement that addresses the challenges of climate change and its global impact on people's well-being. Under the title “Climate Change and Well-Being”, the paper formulates important recommendations for reducing the negative consequences of climate change in the areas of health, ecology and technology. The central themes: The drastic reduction of CO2 emissions and the urgent use of an integrative One Health approach.
The statement pays particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups who are most affected by climate change. It is clear that health, environmental and technological issues must go hand in hand to find effective solutions. The One Health approach, which links the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems, is coming to the fore. It requires cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary collaboration, with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) being a driving force in this initiative. The aim is to promote health and safety in all areas of life and to transform agriculture and food systems to become more sustainable. The needs of indigenous groups should also be brought into focus in order to integrate their knowledge into the solution approaches.
Recommendations for implementation
The paper's recommendations include a variety of measures. This includes monitoring water and air quality as well as developing early warning systems and disaster protection plans. In addition, the need for sustainable management of land, water and energy resources is highlighted. Strengthening local food systems and restoring natural ecosystems are also at the center of discussions.
The One Health approach is also addressed in the context of combating infectious diseases and pests in animals and plants. Preventive measures against zoonotic infections and the introduction of new harmful organisms are essential to protect health systems in different countries. This is particularly important as the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened public awareness of the connection between our ecosystems and human health.
Climate change and its challenges
Climate change itself is an urgent challenge of our time. Experts warn that the current warming caused by human activities and massive emissions of greenhouse gases is advancing rapidly. This development could have significant environmental and social impacts. The term “climate crisis” is often used to describe the enormity of these problems, which impact not only our environment but also people’s quality of life.
The international community is faced with the challenge of finding effective and sustainable solutions that are both environmentally friendly and socially just. The recommendations from the science academies represent a significant step in this direction and make it clear that we must all pull together to stop global warming and ensure the quality of life for future generations.
The full statement is available on the Leopoldina website in English and German and provides detailed insights into the urgently needed measures to combat climate change.