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Climate, Sustainability & Inequality

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Research spotlight

Wits researchers call for Africa-centred approach to nature-based climate solutions At the recent G20 Ministerial side meeting on Brain Health, Professor Stephen Tollman, Director of the SAMRC/Wits Rural Health Transitions Unit (Agincourt), joined African and international leaders as part of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) Africa Task Force to launch the continent's first Five-Year Brain Health Action Plan.

G20 EXTRAORDINARY COMMITTEE OF INDEPENDENT EXPERTS ON GLOBAL INEQUALITY

We are facing an inequality emergency A new analysis published in theG20 Extraordinary Committee’s report shows that between 2000 and 2024, the world’s top 1% captured 41% of all new wealth, while just 1% went to the bottom 50%, amid growing concerns about democratic capture associated with wealth concentration.

Cobalt mining in the DRC | Curiosity 19: #Disruption © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/

You want to save the planet? Change the way you think As the just energy transition gathers pace, dousing the flames of hydrocarbon-fuelled climate change, one thing is clear – we are entering an age of mass disruption, calling for a radical re-evaluation of how economies are organised.

The Wits School of Geosciences, Wits Enterprise and Johannesburg Water have launched an innovative groundwater project

Wits takes water to informal settlements The School of Geosciences, Wits Enterprise, and Johannesburg Water have launched an innovative groundwater project designed to deliver a reliable and sustainable water supply to informal settlements. The project combines proven engineering methods with cutting-edge hydrogeological science. Read more →

‘New reality’ as world reaches first climate tipping point The world faces a “new reality” as we have reached the first of many Earth system tipping points that will cause catastrophic harm unless humanity takes urgent action, according to a landmark report released on 13 October 2025. Read more →

Poverty, inequality, rural, food insecurity

Inequality in Africa: what drives it, how to end it South Africa remains the world's most unequal country. Understanding the drivers of this inequality - and identifying solutions - is critical to ensuring climate action doesn't deepen existing divides. Read more →

SDG-Aligned Research and Impact: Climate, Sustainability and Inequality

Wits conducts extensive research addressing climate change, sustainability and inequality through multiple initiatives and across our five faculties. Our research involves collaborations with international partners, government bodies, industry and communities to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

For detailed information on Wits' contributions to advancing the SDGs, read our report below.