In a groundbreaking move to enhance diversity and equity in global climate science, Singapore Management University (SMU) has partnered with the Climate Adaptation & Resilience (CLARE) programme to fund early-career climate scientists from the Global South. These scientists play a crucial role in developing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, a key report shaping climate policy worldwide.
The IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle (2023–2029) is producing major scientific reports that guide policymakers on climate impacts and solutions. Such large-scale reports rely on Coordinating Lead Authors, supported by Chapter Scientists who manage references, coordinate efforts and facilitate diverse contributions.
However, participation in this global effort is often hindered by funding constraints, particularly for Chapter Scientists - early-career researchers who support senior scientists in coordinating research and analysis. Without external funding, many from the Global South struggle to contribute, limiting the diversity of voices shaping climate action.
Since the partnership in January 2025, SMU and CLARE worked closely to interview and select six Chapter Scientists to support Coordinating Lead Authors who are also from the Global South. An international call for Chapter Scientists saw over a thousand applicants from 124 countries, eventually nominating six early career researchers from Kenya India, Argentina, Brazil, Philippines and South Africa. Five Chapter Scientists flown in to attend the First Lead Author Meeting held in Osaka, Japan in March 2025 and had the opportunity to understand IPCC processes, meet fellow authors and work on the chapters for the Special Reports on Climate Change and Cities.
Championing inclusive climate action
Through this partnership, SMU and CLARE will provide financial support to Chapter Scientists, ensuring broader representation and strengthening research capacity in climate-vulnerable regions. The initiative is being housed in IPCC Technical Support Unit (TSU) based in SMU College of Integrative Studies, where a dedicated project coordinator will drive recruitment, training, and knowledge-sharing to empower young climate scientists from developing countries.
Through training, peer-learning and active engagement in the report development process, this new partnership aims to strengthen research, leadership, and knowledge-brokering skills, ensuring that the assessment process is more inclusive and reflective of the priorities of stakeholders working on urban climate action, particularly in the Global South.
The Global South refers to developing countries that are typically located in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. Many Global South countries are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing less to global emissions, making it imperative to include them in climate science and global policymaking.
Funded primarily by UK Aid through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and co-funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), CLARE is at the forefront of bridging science and action in climate resilience. By championing Southern leadership and inclusive climate action, this programme is a vital step toward more representative and impactful climate policymaking.
With the urgency of climate change growing, this initiative paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable and effective global climate science community, one that represents the needs and realities of those on the front lines of climate impact.
“CLARE’s generous support is instrumental in fostering a more diverse and representative climate science community, and their sponsorship is significant to advance this important cause. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and driving inclusive, science-based solutions for urban climate resilience,” said Dr Theresa Wong, Head of Science for the IPCC Working Group II TSU at SMU.
Photo credit: SMU
