The 2025 Annual Young Scientist Conference (AYSC) adopted the S20 theme, Climate Change and Well-being, offering early career researchers a platform to address the nexus of food, water, land, energy, society, and climate change. The conference promotes inclusive, cross-sectoral solutions, encourages scientific contributions to shape a sustainable future, and fosters collaboration through mentorship and peer learning. Bringing together Africa’s brightest minds, the AYSC embodies the continent’s rich intellectual heritage and potential for innovation, resilience, and global impact.
Background to the Theme
South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 is held under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, addressing interconnected global challenges such as climate change, inequality, poverty in energy, food, and nutrition, unemployment, technological shifts, and geopolitical instability. This marks a pivotal moment for the continent and the Global South.
The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 warns that, with only 6 years to 2030, progress towards the SDGs is far off track due to lingering COVID-19 impacts, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and intensifying climate change. Urgent acceleration—particularly in climate action, peace and security, and reducing inequalities—is essential.
Through ASSAf, South Africa is leading the Science 20 (S20) under the theme Climate Change and Well-being, focusing on the interconnections between climate, food, water, energy, and land systems. It highlights the role of science and science diplomacy in fostering inclusive, sustainable mitigation efforts for human and planetary well-being.
Sub-themes
Climate Change impact on Human Heath:
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events exacerbate health risks, including heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, 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 people, 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. These strategies address food security, water management, and sustainable energy systems to build 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 scientists, policymakers, and partners to develop sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges, including agricultural practices, water resources, and clean energy transitions.
Mitigation and Adaptation: A Dual Approach
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 essential for build resilience and securing a sustainable future.
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