Climate change is one of the most pressing and persistent threats of our time, with wide- ranging implications for humans, animals, plants and the environment. It is not merely an environmental crisis but also a profound social and economic challenge, deeply intertwined with issues of inequality and marginalization. Understanding the climate change-well-being nexus is therefore essential for fostering evidence-based policymaking and enhanced practice making that prioritizes and centres well-being. The effects of climate change — rising temperatures, sea-level rise and more frequent and intense extreme weather events — threaten the foundations of livelihoods, health and security, particularly in vulnerable populations such as women, children, marginalized groups, low- income communities and indigenous peoples, including small-island nations. Addressing climate change is therefore not simply a technical or scientific challenge; it demands an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach that centres on well-being and recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and environmental, social, and economic systems.
Climate refers to the long-term average patterns of weather conditions, whilst climate change refers to long-term shifts in those patterns1. These can occur naturally or in response to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere among other activities.
Climate change affects biodiversity, oceans, water, food security, health, and the economy, with vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected by climate impacts. The impacts on humans extend far beyond physical health, affecting physical safety and security, mental, emotional, social, and economic well-being, with implications that can be considered existential2.
Effectively addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and collaborative strategies that prioritize both mitigation of climate conditions and climate change, and adaptation as a behavioral and livelihood response, to build resilience and ensure sustainable and equitable futures. Whereas mitigation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions toward achieving carbon neutrality, through renewable energies for example, and to enhance their sequestration to combat climate change, adaptation involves anticipating future climate risks and adjusting to current and anticipated climate conditions to strengthen national, community and personal resilience. Resilience is the capacity of people and ecosystems to maintain or regain their well-being in the face of varying situations, including extreme events, supported by social, political, economic, and cultural networks.
Equity remains key in addressing climate change, by ensuring fair distribution of the benefits of climate protection efforts and alleviating burdens on vulnerable groups. Anchoring equity into climate strategies is essential for fair and effective climate action. The transition to a reduced carbon economy also needs to be implemented in a just and equitable way. It is essential to address inequalities in adapting to sustainability limits, as well as in the transition of production and consumption patterns which is an urgent challenge that demands immediate action.
We need to address our clean energy needs and drive new education and research areas across different disciplines and with various policy and practitioner groups. There is an opportunity for the natural and social scientists to collaborate more with each other. Governments, the financial sector, commerce and industry, civil society, media and communications, have responsible roles to play, and must work collectively and transparently for the greater good of society. This calls for an inclusive approach, and there is a need for co-development and co-creation such that all voices are part of the discussions and decision making. This in turn should feature in education initiatives and engaged research, fostering agency and advocacy.
At the heart of this challenge are critical cross-cutting issues that shape both the impacts of climate change and the ways in which it is addressed. These include considerations of gender, race, location, and the experiences of marginalized groups, all of which influence the distribution of climate-related risks and benefits. Women3, for instance, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to pre-existing gender inequalities and their reliance on natural resources for livelihoods, particularly in low-income regions. Similarly, racial and ethnic minorities often face systemic barriers that limit their access to resources, information, and decision-making processes, making them more vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Geographic location also plays a pivotal role: communities in low-lying coastal areas, small island nations, and drought-prone regions face existential threats from climate change, while urban areas must grapple with strained infrastructure due to migration of people. Meanwhile, marginalized groups—such as indigenous peoples, refugees, and the economically disadvantaged—bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Recognizing these cross-cutting issues is essential for developing equitable and effective climate strategies. They highlight the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and adopt approaches that are context-specific and inclusive. Integrating gender-responsive strategies into climate policies, for example, can empower women as agents of change, while prioritizing indigenous knowledge and practices can lead to more sustainable and culturally sensitive outcomes. Similarly, addressing the structural inequalities that exacerbate the vulnerability of marginalized groups can help create a more just and resilient society. These considerations underscore the importance of embedding principles of equity, inclusivity, and justice into climate action.
Beyond these social dimensions, climate change raises fundamental questions about the values and priorities that underpin global decision-making. What role should developed nations play in addressing a crisis they have historically contributed to most, especially in relation to the global South? For example, the 197 countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) in 2023 agreed on the principle of Loss & Damage yet funding for low- and middle-income countries remains elusive. These ethical dilemmas demand a re-evaluation of the principles guiding climate action, such as climate justice, sustainability, and global solidarity. By identifying and addressing these cross-cutting issues, we can shape approaches to climate change that are not only environmentally effective but also socially transformative. This paper explores the relationship between climate change and well- being, building from, and further strengthening the work of the S20 Forum in focusing on how inclusive and equitable strategies can reduce its impacts in promoting a healthier, more just world.
