Open climate: advancing data sharing for climate action through academia and research communities

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

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Programme.pdf (704.65 kB)

Yanga Malotana.pdf (1.34 MB)

Gustav Rautenbach.pdf (2.02 MB)

Prof Coleen Vogel.pdf (4.68 MB)

Prof Wilfred Lunga.pdf (231.14 kB)

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Abstract (English) : As the impacts of climate change intensify, the urgency of accessible, reliable, and interoperable climate data has become clearer than ever. Effective mitigation and adaptation strategies depend on the open exchange of high-quality data across disciplines, sectors, and borders. A recent webinar, co-hosted by the Science20 (S20) and Ocean20 (O20) G20 Engagement Groups, brought together experts to explore how academia and research communities - particularly within G20 countries - are taking a leading role in advancing the Open Climate agenda. Building on the global work of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (led by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment – DFFE) and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the session also highlighted national and regional initiatives. These included efforts spearheaded by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), and the National Climate Change Information System (NCCIS), a presidential priority for climate policy coordination. A central theme of the discussion was the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into climate data ecosystems. Speakers emphasised how Indigenous and local communities hold deep, place-based knowledge that can significantly enrich scientific understanding of environmental change, resilience, and sustainability. The webinar examined ways to ethically and equitably incorporate IKS into open data practices while safeguarding rights, data sovereignty, and cultural integrity. The event also tackled core challenges such as data standardisation, infrastructure development, governance mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration. Presenters discussed enabling policy frameworks to support climate data sharing, showcased ongoing initiatives, and identified opportunities for scientific communities to provide leadership. South Africa featured prominently in the dialogue, with contributions from local experts and institutions working at the science-policy interface. The session further aligned with the Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science—one of eight global development actions announced by President Xi Jinping at the 2024 G20 Summit. Jointly launched by China, Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union, the initiative seeks to expand access to global scientific and technological innovation across the Global South. Ultimately, the webinar provided a platform for dialogue on how the research community can bridge policy and practice, catalyse innovation in open climate data ecosystems, and promote greater transparency, equity, and international cooperation to strengthen climate resilience.

Description : MP4 Video; 1,66 GB (1 788 669 139 bytes)

Contributor ORCIDs : Keebine, Galaletsang