The prevention of neurological and mental diseases, the rapid warming of the Arctic with its global consequences, and the increasing number of satellites in space — these three topics have one thing in common: they are being proposed for the agenda of this year’s G7 Summit in France by the science academies of the G7 countries. French President Emmanuel Macron received the statements on “Advancing Brain Health,” “The Global Arctic” and “Large Satellite Constellations” from the academy presidents in Paris yesterday. The documents had previously been prepared with the involvement of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
“With these statements on brain health, the Arctic, and satellites, we are addressing global challenges that require science-based and internationally coordinated solutions. At a time of growing geopolitical disruption, the fact that the G7 process enables such a constructive substantive exchange among members of all seven participating academies is of great value”, says Professor Bettina Rockenbach, President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
In preparation for this year’s G7 Summit, which will take place from 15 to 17 June in Évian/France, the Science Council of Japan, the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the Royal Society of Canada, the US National Academy of Sciences, the UK’s Royal Society and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina – under the leadership of the French Académie des sciences – have prepared statements on three science-related topics:
Brain Health
Neurological and mental disorders affect almost one in three people over the course of their lives. The economic impact is considerable, with global costs estimated at five trillion US dollars per year. The G7 academies therefore recommend treating brain health as an important issue throughout the life course — from early childhood to old age — and addressing it not only within health policy, but as a cross-cutting policy priority. To this end, they recommend establishing a “Brain Health Advisory Council” at G7 level — an advisory body that could formulate science-based guidance for policy measures, identify emerging innovations and ensure ethical oversight. To accelerate both scientific and clinical advances in brain research, the G7 countries are called upon to launch an investment and innovation initiative to secure funding from public resources and private capital. Medical progress will also depend on harnessing the potential of large datasets, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging and genomics. As neurological and mental disorders pose a particular challenge for low- and middle-income countries, the recommended initiatives should also be designed to extend beyond the G7.
The Arctic as an Early Warning System
Over the past 40 years, the Arctic has warmed almost four times faster than the global average. The consequences are visible locally: sea ice and glaciers are retreating, permafrost is thawing, coastlines are eroding, wildfires are increasing and ecosystems are changing. However, these changes are not confined to the region. Thawing permafrost can release large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane. The melting of the Greenland ice sheet contributes to sea-level rise. Changes in the Arctic can also affect ocean currents, weather patterns and ecosystems far beyond the region itself. The statement therefore describes the Arctic as an early warning system. The G7 academies call on the G7 countries to uphold the Paris Agreement and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly and sustainably. They are also proposing a moratorium on geoengineering in the Arctic. At the same time, international and interdisciplinary research cooperation on Arctic change should be strengthened, and Indigenous and local knowledge should be incorporated.
Large Satellite Constellations |
An increasing number of satellites are being launched into low- and medium-Earth orbits. Large satellite constellations can improve internet access worldwide, enable communication in remote regions and support near-real-time Earth observation. At the same time, they pose risks: the growing number of satellites increases the danger of collisions and space debris. It also remains unclear to what extent the upper atmosphere is being affected by chemicals and dust particulates resulting from frequent rocket launches and the re-entry of satellites and rocket stages. The G7 academies recommend supporting research into the effects of space activities on the atmosphere and into the development of satellite-based communication networks, while also establishing clear rules for their sustainable use. These should include binding standards for “de-orbiting”, meaning the removal of defunct satellites from orbit, improved systems for monitoring the use of Earth’s orbital environment, and robust assessments of how many objects particular orbits can safely accommodate over the long term.