Africa is the continent most vulnerable to climate change, yet least responsible for it. Despite this, it has yet to fully leverage climate litigation to demand justice. While entities in nations like Germany and the Netherlands have won landmark climate cases, African efforts remain limited due to weak legal frameworks, resource constraints, and reliance on polluting industries. However, promising steps are emerging—from South African and East African lawsuits to a recent Pan African Lawyers’ Union petition. The continent now has three key legal routes: the International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and the UN Climate Convention. By embracing these tools, Africa can shape climate law, hold polluters accountable, and champion a more equitable future.
The Conversation
