Search Climate Insights Directory
920 results
NATURAL JUSTICE COMMENTARY ON THE INTENTION TO EXCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN AN ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORIZATION BASED ON COMPLIANCE WITH AN ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENT GAZETTED NO. 46871 OF 08/SEP/2022 AND THE INTENTION TO ADOPT THE NATIONAL WEB-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING TOOL AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENT (SCREENING TOOL)
Natural Justice opposes the South African government's intention to exclude solar photovoltaic (PV) installations from environmental authorization requirements via a web-based screening tool. The organization argues that this 'blanket and overbroad exclusion' violates constitutional rights to administrative justice, public participation, and a healthy environment. They highlight risks including cumulative environmental impacts, infringement on community land rights, and potential social backlash that could ultimately hinder the energy transition. Natural Justice recommends prioritizing the use of degraded lands, such as brownfields and unrehabilitated mining sites, for solar deployment while maintaining meaningful public consultation.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Statement
comprehensive-summary-of-the-project-report-tor-fe48b8cee568b2ee.pdf
This document is a Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared by Kurrent Technologies Ltd. for the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to guide an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for a proposed 1,050MW coal-fired power plant in Lamu County, Kenya. The project, proposed by Amu Power Company Limited, aims to increase Kenya's generation capacity to meet growing electricity demand using super-critical technology.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Briefing
TGS Geophysical Company West Coast Seismic Survey
The document details a legal challenge in the Western Cape High Court against a proposed 3D seismic survey by TGS Geophysical Company. The applicants argue that the authorisation was unlawful due to a lack of proper delegation of authority and a failure to consider the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act. Key concerns include the physical and behavioural impact of airgun noise on marine mammals and fish, the creation of exclusion zones harming small-scale fishers, and the government's failure to account for climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement and the economic risk of stranded assets in a decarbonising world.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Fact sheet
factsheet_saving-the-wild-coast-summary-cc1b4747392d8337.pdf
This factsheet details legal challenges brought against Shell Exploration and Production SA and the South African government to stop seismic surveys off the Wild Coast. It outlines two primary court cases: one unsuccessful urgent interdict by environmental and angling groups, and a successful interdict by local communities. The document summarizes the applicants' arguments regarding the lack of environmental authorization, inadequate consultation, and the failure to consider climate change and cultural rights, while explaining the potential legal precedents a victory would establish for future seismic testing in South Africa.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Fact sheet
Save Lamu & 5 Others -versus National Environmental Management Authority & Another National Environment Tribunal Appeal No. NET 196 of 2016 Summary
The National Environment Tribunal (NET) revoked the EIA licence for Amu Power Company Limited's proposed 1050MW coal plant in Kwasasi, Lamu County. The tribunal found that public participation was "non-existent" during the ESIA study phase and that the process was "procedurally unfair." Key failures included the lack of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the LAPSSET corridor, the omission of critical infrastructure designs (such as a 2,000-acre limestone quarry and conveyor belt), and a failure to account for Kenya's Climate Change Act, 2016. While some air quality and ecological mitigation measures were deemed adequate, the tribunal found the ash-handling plans risky due to tidal flooding and climate change. Consequently, the licence was revoked, requiring the proponent to either restart the ESIA process in accordance with the law or appeal the decision.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
ISICELO SOKUDIBANISA 5/6/7
The document details a judicial review application by Green Connection and Natural Justice to set aside the environmental authorization (EA) granted to TotalEnergies EP South Africa Block 567 (Pty) Ltd for offshore oil drilling between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas. It lists six grounds for review, including failures to assess socio-economic impacts on small-scale fishers, climate change impacts from gas combustion, and transboundary risks to Namibia. Additionally, it notes that TotalEnergies announced its withdrawal from Block 567 in July 2024 and is now seeking to have Shell joined as a party to the legal proceedings, a request opposed by the applicants.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Fact sheet
A HANDBOOK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN KENYA
The document serves as a legal empowerment guide for environmental and land rights defenders (ELRDs) in Kenya, detailing the constitutional and statutory protections available to them. It identifies key threats faced by defenders—such as harassment, illegal arrests, and forced evictions—and attributes these to drivers like competition over scarce natural resources and power inequality. The guide outlines how to lodge complaints with national bodies including the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). It also lists various international and regional civil society organisations that provide emergency funding and legal support to defenders.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Guide
THE LAMU COUNTY BIOCULTURAL COMMUNITY PROTOCOL
The Lamu County Bio-Cultural Community Protocol (BCP) is a communal document created by the Bajun, Swahili, Sanye, Aweer, and Orma communities to protect their ancestral lands and nature-based livelihoods. It details the diverse economic niches of these groups—including fishing, pastoralism, and hunting-gathering—and the traditional conservation methods they employ. The document strongly opposes the LAPSSET project and the Amu Power coal plant, citing a lack of free, prior, and informed consent, threats to biodiversity, and the risk of cultural erasure. It concludes by demanding legal recognition of community land rights and the adoption of renewable energy alternatives.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
lamu-meeting-analysis_llcop-30edf72a8574e33a.pdf
This document is a section of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Addendum detailing stakeholder engagement meetings held in March 2020 regarding the Lamu Marine Terminal and pipeline realignment for the LAPSSET corridor project.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
lcp_license_conditions-49327fae9e8123f7.pdf
This document is a set of licensing conditions issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on September 7, 2016, for the construction and operation of a 1050MW coal-fired power plant in Kwasasi, Lamu County, developed by Amu Power Company Limited.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Statement
lcp_public_hearing_1-55bbcf8a94773f82.pdf
This document is a record of a public hearing held on August 26, 2016, in the Kwasasi area of Lamu regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Amu Power coal-fired power plant.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE SOUTH COAST
Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd is seeking Environmental Authorisation for offshore surveys in Blocks 9 & 11B/12B, located 65–190 km off the South Coast. The project is currently in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) phase, which requires the applicant to consult affected communities regarding potential risks to sea life, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Public meetings were scheduled between 14 and 24 July 2025, with a deadline for comments on the Draft ESIA Report set for 14 August 2025.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Fact sheet
MANUEL SUR L’ACTION CLIMATIQUE
The document provides a comprehensive framework for Senegalese communities to understand climate change, assess their vulnerabilities, and take 'climate action' through legal empowerment. It details the specific climate risks facing Senegal, lists international and national legal obligations, and provides a step-by-step toolkit for advocacy, information access, and litigation.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Guide
nema_lamu-gas-exploration_tors-3_2017.03.23-6067e85bfbbe7043.pdf
The provided text consists of the professional CVs and qualifications of a consultancy team proposed for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of gas exploratory drilling in Blocks L4 and L13 in Lamu County, Kenya. It details the expertise of five specialists: an ESIA specialist, a socio-economist, a hydrologist, an environmental chemist, and a GIS specialist, listing their academic backgrounds, professional affiliations, and extensive project histories in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors across East Africa and beyond.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
www.naturaljustice.org [email protected] Tel +254 704 864 853
A statement from Natural Justice providing comments and recommendations on the Kilifi County Solid Waste Management Bill, 2019, focusing on administrative oversight, environmental licensing, and penalty structures.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Statement
nj_submissions-on-the-lamu-ports-access-road-eia-study_2019.09.19-d0b4d8d8b10137d8.pdf
Natural Justice submitted comments to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) on September 19, 2019, regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study report for the proposed Lamu Port Access Road in Lamu County. The organization argues that the project has violated constitutional and statutory requirements concerning access to information, public participation, and environmental protection, noting that construction began before an EIA license was issued.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Statement
Abridged Version of the Written Submissions on The Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill, 2017 (page 1- 10) And The Energy Bill, 2017 (page 11- 17)
The briefing outlines specific additions and deletions for Kenya's 2017 Petroleum and Energy Bills. Key proposals focus on mandating 30-day public notice periods, ensuring the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) oversees ecological protections, and aligning resource vesting and land compensation with the Kenyan Constitution and the Community Land Act, 2016.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Briefing
LAWYERS FOR COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Natural Justice is an African organisation dedicated to social and environmental justice, employing a "Litigation Plus" approach that combines legal empowerment, research, policy influence, and strategic litigation. In 2024, the organisation supported over 30 strategic lawsuits across Africa, including successful challenges against Shell's seismic testing in South Africa and the annulment of an Environmental Impact Assessment for Sosian Energy Ltd in Kenya. The organisation also focuses on securing land tenure, protecting indigenous biocultural heritage in Namibia and Madagascar, and defending environmental defenders, notably supporting 180 activists through an emergency fund, including those protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Uganda. Additionally, Natural Justice engages in global policy advocacy at UN biodiversity and climate summits to promote human rights-based approaches to conservation and energy transitions.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report
SEARCHER_English _Pamphlet_July2024
This guide, published by Natural Justice in July 2024, provides information and guidance for the public regarding a proposed 3D seismic survey by Searcher Geodata UK Ltd off the coast of South Africa. It outlines the project's scope, the regulatory process for environmental authorisation, and the potential negative impacts on marine biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Guide
Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment
The submission argues that indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are the most effective guardians of biodiversity, yet they face systemic threats including non-recognition of land rights, 'fortress conservation' models, and violence against land defenders. It provides global case studies of successful community-led conservation and calls for a shift toward rights-based conservation, secure tenure, and the protection of environmental defenders.
AI-generated
This summary is written by a language model reading the source document. It is not the publisher's words and is not a substitute for the original.
Document type: Report