Towards the end of February 2023, Vanuatu and 18 other States formally uploaded the final Draft Resolution requesting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This draft resolution was officially adopted on the 29th of March. Dr. Tracey Kanhanga explains why it was important for African States to co-sponsor Vanuatu’s Draft Resolution and vote for its adoption as well as the potential impact that the advisory opinion will have in strengthening domestic climate change regulatory frameworks.

Africa faces a variety of developmental woes that have resulted in various injustices, including environmental injustice. Stephen Morgan discusses the importance of recognising this injustice and makes a case for a reorientation of what we assume to be our moral responsibility towards the environment using indigenous African values and practices.

Mari Margil reflects on the shift towards a new system of law in which the rights of nature – including that basic right to even exist – are respected and protected.

Despite being lauded for having one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, South Africa's  climate policies and legislation are arguably retrogressive. This is clear in their central concern for a brand of development that is premised on the historical development trajectories of the Global North. Camilla Hyslop argues that it is time to write an African response to climate change, which is progressive, decolonial and inherently inclusive.

In this post, Louise du Toit examines the South African High Court’s judgement in Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC and Others v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and Others. It is argued that the judgement highlights the importance of civil society activism and the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding constitutionally protected social and environmental rights.