South Africa’s first climate case at the Constitutional Court has blocked Shell’s oil and gas exploration off the Wild Coast, protecting coastal communities.
Africa is least responsible for climate change but worst affected. Exploring climate justice within international courts is a step in the right direction.
South Africa’s plan to transition to green energy may eventually benefit big private companies more than ordinary citizens.
The International Court of Justice says governments are legally obliged “to achieve deep, rapid and sustained reductions” in greenhouse gas emissions.
South African courts are increasingly handing down judgments that take into account the future climate damage that new developments may cause.
Climate and investment laws must align for the global south to get climate justice and achieve net-zero emissions.
The International Court of Justice is hearing testimony from climate crisis-affected nations and will issue the first ever legal advice on governments’ legal obligations to prevent climate change.
Women need legal aid to sue companies and governments over climate change damage to their communities.
Communities who have lived off the land and the sea for hundreds of years will need to organise if they want to stop giant companies like Shell from destroying their livelihood by mining.
Evidence suggests that a low-carbon transition could worsen gender inequalities if not properly addressed in climate policy.
