Against the backdrop of global restrictions on scientific freedom, and not least in light of recent political developments in the United States, the science academies of the G7 countries have today jointly published the Ottawa Declaration. The document stresses the importance of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, the integrity of research, research security, and the responsible conduct of research in support of the public good. The Ottawa Declaration is a result of the Science 7 Summit, which took place in the Canadian capital on 7 and 8 May. As part of the Science 7 process, the National Academies of the G7 countries provide evidence-based policy advice for the annual G7 summits and jointly draft statements on scientific topics that are linked to the agenda and require a multilateral approach. 

To meet Europe’s demand for green hydrogen, governments and the private sector have high hopes for production in Africa. A study led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now shown that the financing costs for production facilities in African countries would be much higher than previously assumed. Only 2 percent of around 10,000 investigated locations would be competitive for exports to Europe. This would require price and offtake guarantees from European governments.

Scientists found that small-scale gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon is stripping away topsoil and reshaping the land in ways that deplete water — a key reason forests fail to grow back. The process leaves behind hot, dry piles of sand and stagnant ponds. These sandy mounds can reach 145 degrees F (60 C) and drain water up to 100 times faster than forest soil, making the terrain inhospitable to tree growth. Sites near ponds or at lower elevations retain more moisture and show signs of natural regrowth, suggesting that water access — not just soil quality — plays a critical role in forest recovery. To improve reforestation, the researchers recommend flattening the sand piles and filling in mining ponds so plant roots can reach the water table more easily.