Individuals passionate about climate justice, environmental protection, and the role of law in addressing the climate crisis are invited to apply for the Climate Litigation School 2026, a specialized training program that will bring together emerging and experienced practitioners from across South Africa.

The initiative is being organized by Natural Justice, the Centre for Environmental Rights, and the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa. The program seeks to strengthen legal and interdisciplinary approaches to climate action by equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills in climate litigation and environmental advocacy.

Program Overview

The Climate Litigation School will take place from 6–10 July 2026 at the Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Designed as an intensive learning experience, the program will explore how legal systems, scientific evidence, community advocacy, and policy interventions can be used to advance climate justice and address environmental harm.

Participants will engage with leading legal practitioners, researchers, scientists, and community leaders working at the forefront of climate and environmental justice efforts.

What Participants Will Learn

The curriculum will cover a range of topics related to climate litigation and environmental governance, including:

• Climate litigation strategies and legal frameworks
• Environmental governance and accountability
• Climate science and scientific evidence in legal proceedings
• Human rights-based approaches to environmental protection
• Community advocacy and legal empowerment
• Strategic litigation for climate justice
• Indigenous and traditional knowledge in environmental decision-making
• Building partnerships between communities, scientists, and legal practitioners

The program emphasizes practical learning and will draw lessons from landmark climate cases and real-world experiences from across Africa and beyond.

A Unique Interdisciplinary Approach

One of the defining features of the Climate Litigation School is its focus on collaboration across disciplines.

Participants will examine how scientific research, environmental data, Indigenous knowledge systems, and community experiences can be integrated into legal strategies that promote environmental justice. The program seeks to foster stronger connections between legal experts and communities directly affected by climate change and extractive industries.

Through this approach, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how climate litigation can contribute to long-term social and environmental transformation.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on:

• Demonstrated interest or experience in climate, environmental, or human rights issues
• Potential to contribute to discussions and collaborative learning
• Commitment to promoting climate justice within their professional or community contexts
• Diversity considerations, including gender and racial representation

Funding and Accessibility

Participation in the program is fully funded.

Selected participants will receive:

• Tuition for the full training program
• Accommodation
• Meals during the program
• Flight support where necessary
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities and accommodation

Program Dates

Location: Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Training Dates: 6–10 July 2026

The application deadline is on a rolling basis.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.