Date:  23 October 2023
Time: 13:00  SAST

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Abstract: 

The escalating rate and intensity of environmental disasters occurring in the world in recent times is indicative of the effects of climate change on the environment. Scientists have long warned of these effects, and continue to do so. Scientific reports have tracked the intensification of climate change, and its disastrous impacts on people and the environment. Coupled with this is the very ominous warning that humanity is now running out of time to reduce global warming.

Africa as a region is highly vulnerable to climate change, and as reports indicate, will bear some of its worst social and environmental impacts. Africa’s response to this existential threat can be seen in the environmental protection initiatives and mechanisms in place, which have led to what is referred to in some quarters as an environmental rule of law in Africa. A main contributor to the emergence of an environmental rule of law in Africa is the judiciary, which finds itself with the task of balancing developmental needs with sustainability imperatives. This balancing act will be examined, highlighting already existing judicial approaches on the continent, vis a vis what obtains in other jurisdictions.
 

Short bio: 

Professor Funmi Abioye

Funmi Abioye is a currently sessional Professor of Law at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan in Canada. She is well published, with her research interests focusing on a multi-dimensional exploration of the rule of law in Africa, touching on issues of good governance, legitimacy and accountability. Prior to her current teaching engagement, Prof Abioye was an associate professor of law at the University of South Africa (UNISA) for many years, during which time, she served on multiple committees and structures of the university, including as Editor-in- Chief of the Comparative and International Law Journal of Southern Africa (CILSA) for seven years. She is currently a co-rapporteur of the International Law Association (ILA) sub-committee on International Migration and International Law. The first interim report of the committee will serve at the 2024 ILA Conference in Athens.