The Climate Litigation School 2026 is now accepting applications for its upcoming fully funded training programme taking place from 6–10 July 2026 at the Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, South Africa. This transformative initiative is jointly hosted by Natural Justice, the Centre for Environmental Rights, and the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa.
Designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging and established climate justice actors, the School offers an intensive, interdisciplinary learning experience that blends legal strategy, scientific evidence, community advocacy, and rights‑based approaches to climate litigation.
Overview of the Climate Litigation School 2026
The Climate Litigation School is a dedicated training space that brings together students, researchers, lawyers, and climate justice practitioners to deepen their understanding of how law can be used to confront the climate crisis. The programme emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, integrating legal expertise, environmental science, Indigenous knowledge, and community‑driven advocacy.
The 2026 edition of the School will:
- Equip participants with practical skills in climate litigation.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration between lawyers, scientists, activists, and community leaders.
- Build a network of climate justice advocates across South Africa and the African continent.
- Promote rights‑based, community‑centered approaches to environmental justice.
The programme is fully funded, covering wheelchair‑accessible accommodation, meals, and flights for selected participants.
Programme Dates and Location
- Curriculum Dates: 6 – 10 July 2026
- Venue: Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Funding: Fully funded (accommodation, meals, and flights covered)
- Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
About the Climate Litigation School
The School is designed to build long‑term capacity among individuals working to advance climate justice. It goes beyond traditional legal training by focusing on real‑world, context‑specific challenges and opportunities in climate litigation.
Key Focus Areas
- Climate Litigation Strategies Participants will explore landmark climate cases, strategic litigation approaches, and emerging legal tools used to hold governments and corporations accountable.
- Environmental Governance The curriculum examines how governance systems shape environmental decision‑making and how legal interventions can strengthen accountability.
- Climate Science Integration The School emphasizes the importance of climate attribution science, environmental data, and impact projections in building strong legal cases.
- Community‑Lawyer Alliances A core component is the integration of community voices, ensuring that frontline communities are co‑creators of legal strategies.
- Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge The programme highlights the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in shaping culturally grounded, rights‑based litigation.
What Makes This School Unique
The Climate Litigation School stands out for its holistic, interdisciplinary approach. It brings together:
- Legal practitioners
- Environmental scientists
- Indigenous knowledge holders
- Community leaders
- Climate justice activists
- Policy researchers
This collaborative model ensures that litigation strategies are not only technically sound but also socially just, culturally relevant, and grounded in lived realities.
Participants will engage with leading experts working at the forefront of climate litigation, gaining insights into both national and continental climate justice movements.
Who Should Apply
Applications are welcomed from individuals who:
- Are based in South Africa
- Are working or studying in fields such as:
- Law
- Environmental science
- Public policy
- Climate justice activism
- Are committed to applying the knowledge gained to support climate justice in their communities or professional work
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated interest or experience in climate, environmental, or human rights work
- Potential to contribute to and benefit from the programme
- Commitment to advancing climate justice
- Consideration of diversity, including racial and gender representation
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official application portal. Deadline: 16 June 2026
Themes and Programme Areas
- Legal Empowerment
- Litigation
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
- Defending Rights
Related Topics for Further Exploration
- High Court seismic survey challenge
- Africa’s energy transition delays
- Deep-water drilling court hearings
- Community power and climate justice
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