The Interconnectedness of Climate Change and Health:Approaches from China and Germany

Climate change, extreme heat events, and deteriorating water quality pose significant threats to human health and well-being, disrupting ecosystems and societies. As the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights, climate risks are intensifying faster than expected, making adaptation increasingly difficult. These environmental challenges not only affect the natural world but also influence social and economic structures globally, from public health systems to economic stability. Climate change impacts health in multiple ways. More frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, and floods, disrupt daily life. There is growing instability in food systems and rising rates of zoonotic, water- and food-borne diseases, as well as vector-borne illnesses and mental health concerns. The consequences of climate change are widespread, affecting everything from air, water, and soil quality to food security and plant health, thus amplifying health risks and straining public systems.

In both China and Germany, these multiple dimensions of climate change’s impact on health and society are the focus of ongoing scientific research. The question arises: How can countries adapt to the rapid changes triggered by climate change? What measures are needed to build resilience in society, and what role does science play in this adaptation process? How can evidence-based knowledge be effectively transferred from science to political stakeholders, enabling the implementation of concrete measures that protect public health and wellbeing?

The 3rd Science for Future Conference will bring together leading experts, early-career scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse fields to explore the complex interconnections between climate change and health. The conference will examine how these challenges intersect across multiple sectors, including the environment, public health, the economy, and politics.

About the Science for Future Series

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) launched the Science for Future Initiative in 2018 to draw attention to the importance of basic research for society. The conference series emphasizes the role of science-based dialogue in society. At the same time, the series offers a platform for young scientists and raise awareness of responsible cooperation at an early stage. 

The first conference of the series took place in September 2019 at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) under the title “All Starts with Basic Research.” On this occasion, the presidents of both academies signed the Beijing Declaration on Basic Science, expressing their commitment to long-term scientific cooperation beyond national, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. The second conference in the series “On the Path to Carbon Neutrality” focused on the discussion of innovative approaches ranging from basic research to application, thus opening a discourse on strategies to achieve carbon neutrality. It provided a platform for discussing strategies to achieve carbon neutrality in an international context. During the conference, the presidents of Leopoldina and CAS signed the Berlin Declaration: “On the Path to Carbon Neutrality”, which highlights the importance of basic research and international collaboration in addressing climate change and outlines concrete measures for reducing CO₂ emissions.

The third Science for Future Conference will again be held in Beijing, PR China. Under the title “The Interconnectedness of Climate Change and Health: Approaches from China and Germany,” the conference will address the far-reaching impacts of climate change on health and society. Changes in air, water, and soil quality, as well as effects on food security and ecosystems, are already increasing health risks and placing additional pressure on public health systems. Understanding these complex interconnections and developing science-based responses will be at the center of the discussions.