G7 Policy Advice

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. G7 Statement “Advancing Brain Health (including Mental Health)” (2026) 

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. G7 Statement “The Global Arctic” (2026) 

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. G7 Statement “Large Satellite Constellations” (2026)