Today the Global Commons Alliance is celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science! In 2025 it’s more important than ever to keep the spotlight on the vital role of science in shaping the decision-making that impacts every single one of us – and women in science at the Global Commons Alliance are leading the way.
Wherever we look, change is happening. Outside our windows in the Northern hemisphere, we can see past the early glimpses of spring to a rapidly altered climate. In our workplaces, we can see past AI opportunities, to the risks of accelerating AI models. On our screens, we can see past the headlines, to emerging geopolitical and demographic shifts. But without evidence, we remain in the dark.
No matter who is running a country, science must guide leaders’ decisions if they want efficiency, security and healthy, prosperous communities.
We’re proud to work with many women in science who are translating science into local action, accelerating systems change, and becoming better guardians of the global commons.
FIRST OF ITS KIND SCIENCE
The Earth Commission is the scientific cornerstone of the Global Commons Alliance. Its global team has developed a first of its kind scientific framework – which combines Earth system science with social science – and defines Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries, so we can avoid crossing irreversible tipping points, and attain a stable and resilient planet for humanity to thrive.
Co-chair Fatima Denton says: “The Earth Commission has done fantastic work on understanding aspects related to boundaries and what boundaries should be set, and how we can bring ourselves back into safe and just operating boundary space.”
Fatima works alongside women scientists from around the world, including Earth Commissioners Prof. Xuemei Bai, Australian National University, Prof. Joyeeta Gupta, University of Amsterdam, Aditi Mukherji, Director of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Impact Action Platform of the CGIAR, Prof. Ricarda Winkelmann, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Prof. Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, and Prof. Laura Pereira, University of Witwatersrand.
But with fast-moving politics impacting scientific research in the US, it’s more important than ever to stake the science flag in the ground – which is exactly what happened last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos (see photo). During an event about science’s vital role in shaping global decision-making, Wendy Broadgate, Executive Director for the Earth Commission and Global Hub Director at Future Earth stated: “We know we need to have enormous transformations for a stable and resilient planet and stable societies, and science is mapping out the way. Science is here to stay. In Davos we’re here to hold hands with business and decision makers and to inform decisions based on evidence.”
At the same event, Jane Madgwick, Executive Director, the Global Commons Alliance explained why adopting an Earth systems science base is crucial: “The Safe and Just boundaries in tandem with the Science Based Targets Network’s corporate engagement, tools and methods, provide a framework for action and stepwise approach to increasing resilience for companies and cities – as well as a credible, secure way to move along these pathways with affected communities.”
CORPORATE ACTION
The Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries science helps inform the development of science-based targets for nature that companies and cities can adopt, guided by the GCA Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). In October 2024, the first set of companies publicly adopted science-based targets for nature, beginning with freshwater and land; a significant milestone in advancing ambitious and measurable corporate action on nature.
Erin Billman, Executive Director, the Science Based Targets Network said: “Our corporate pilot has shown that science-based targets for nature are both feasible and valuable, closing a critical gap in corporate sustainability.”
Once targets are set, the GCA Accountability Accelerator works to incentivize, enable, pressure, and hold corporations accountable for delivering on their nature commitments. In 2024, the Science Based Targets Network appointed the Accountability Accelerator to host target validation services for its corporate science-based targets for nature.
Natasha Matic, Executive Director, Accountability Accelerator said: “Through our rigorous assessment and compliance processes, we will support companies to play an important role in creating an equitable, nature positive, net-zero future using science-based targets for nature.”
SAFE AND JUST FUTURE
Recognizing that change by individual actors in adopting scientific targets for nature and climate has to be supported with enabling environments and system-wide shifts, the GCA component Systems Change Lab monitors, learns from, and mobilizes action toward the transformations needed to protect people and planet.
Systems Change Lab Co-Director, Rachel Jetel, says: “The latest science is clear: we must limit warming to 1.5 C and halt loss of biodiversity as soon as possible. Achieving this will require fundamental, systemwide transformations by 2030, and these changes must be implemented equitably.“
Taking a science-based approach provides a credible, secure way for humanity to transition to a Safe and Just future for all. Whether leaders choose to get left behind is up to them, but science isn’t going to wait.
- Explore the Safe and Just science
- Learn about the GCA components
- Read about our activities at the World Economic Forum
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