The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has joined an influential new global alliance of national academies of medicine and medical science divisions committed to accelerating action at the nexus of climate change and public health.
The Global Coalition of Academies of Medicine on Climate and Health was formally launched ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, marking a significant step toward strengthening scientific input into global climate–health policies.
The Coalition aims to provide authoritative, evidence-based guidance to policymakers as countries confront rising climate-related health risks—from extreme heat and vector-borne diseases to air pollution, food insecurity, and climate-driven humanitarian crises.
Its work directly supports Brazil’s Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP), an ambitious framework unveiled at COP30 to embed health considerations into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies worldwide.
Bringing together academies across continents, the Coalition seeks to enhance knowledge exchange, build scientific consensus, and drive practical and equitable solutions that protect vulnerable populations. Through coordinated research, joint statements, and policy engagement, it will help governments and health systems translate cutting-edge science into effective action.
As the Coalition’s South African member, ASSAf will play a pivotal role in ensuring African priorities—particularly the disproportionate health burdens faced by low-income and climate-vulnerable communities—are reflected in global decision-making.
The Academy’s longstanding leadership in international science diplomacy, including through the G20’s Science20 (S20) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), positions it as a key contributor to the Coalition’s mission.
“Climate change is the defining health challenge of our time,” said Professor Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer of ASSAf. “By joining this Global Coalition, ASSAf reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that African science informs global climate–health policy. Our goal is to strengthen resilience, equity, and health systems in ways that protect both people and the planet.”
With COP30 placing renewed emphasis on climate justice, health equity, and science-driven solutions, the Coalition is expected to become a critical platform for shaping how the world responds to an escalating climate-health crisis.