Section 24 of the Constitution states that:
Everyone has the right to:
- an environment which is not harmful to their health or well-being
- have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that:
· prevent pollution and ecological degradation
· promote conservation
· secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development.
Climate change litigation is a new initiative for SAYCCC, it is designed to support litigations in the country through campaigns, provide legal empowerment and support to our communities as much as possible, and support international legal campaigns such as the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion and Stop Ecocide campaign. As a youth NGO, we have an opportunity to fight for climate justice in various ways, we conduct awareness campaigns, policy intervention, on-ground activities demonstrating our commitment for environmental care, and as the last resort, we believe that legal instruments should also be used for flight for climate justice. Section 24 of South Africa’s constitution places a duty on the state, on business, and on all South Africans, to prevent pollution and other damage to the environment, and to promote conservation and sustainable development. Every government authority national, provincial and local has a duty to take reasonable steps, in its current functions as well as future plans, to prevent pollution, promote conservation and ensure sustainable development.