ELA Newsletter 2021-34

10 September 2021

Policy

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: National Freshwater (Inland) Wild Capture Fisheries Policy for South Africa (2021) to be found here

Legislation

Notices

Infrastructure Development Act 23 of 2014 – GN 833 in GG 45129 of 10 September 2021 – Draft National Infrastructure Plan 2050 (‘NIP 2050’) published for comment in GN 711 in GG 44951 of 10 August 2021 – extension of period to comment

Health Act 63 of 1977 – GN 828 in GG 45110 of 7 September 2021 – Gauteng Department of Health – Draft Regulations Governing Private Health Establishments, 2014 – for comment in Gen Notices 700 & 701 in PG 51 of 27 February 2015 and Regulations Governing Private Health Establishments, 2015 published in Gen Notice 702 in PG 51 of 27 February 2015 withdrawn

Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984 – GN 827 in GG 45109 of 7 September 2021 – Control measures relating to foot and mouth disease in certain areas

Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 – Gen Notice 526 in GG 45126 of 10 September 2021 – Accounts Verification System Gazette 2021 – Banking requirements for occupational injuries and diseases-related claims

Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994) – GN 832 in GG 45125 of 10 September 2021 – Administration and operations of Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent published in GN R469 in GG 36634 of 5 July 2013 amended and Advisory Board for MISA

Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 – Gen Notice 514 in GG 45099 of 3 September 2021 – Submission of description in terms of s. 15 (1) by the Department of Science and Technology

International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002 – Gen Notice 516 in GG 45099 of 3 September 2021 – International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) – Proposed amendments to the Amended Export Control Guidelines on the Exportation of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Waste and Scrap published in Gen Notice 532 in GG 43765 of 2 October 2020 – for comment

Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 – Gen Notice 709 in GG 41105 of 8 September 2017 – Draft amendments to Regulations – for comment

Provinces

Eastern Cape

Spatial Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 – PN 124 in PG 4621 of 6 September 2021 – Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality – Appointment of Municipal Planning Tribunal members

KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu-Natal Elimination and Prevention of Re-Emergences of Slums Amendment Act 6 of 2021 – PN 9 in PG 2321 of 3 September 2021 – commenced 3 September 2021

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – MN 87 in PG 2322 of 9 September 2021 – iLembe District Municipality – Water Services By-laws

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 – PN 98 in PG 2322 of 9 September 2021 – Declaration of a protected environment: Southdown Protected Environment

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 – PN 99 in PG 2322 of 9 September 2021 – Intention to declare a nature reserve – Tweefontein Nature Reserve – for comment

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 – PN 100 in PG 2322 of 9 September 2021 – Intention to declare an addition to a private nature reserve – uMsonti Private Nature Reserve – for comment

Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 – MN 88 in PG 2323 of 9 September 2021 – eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality – Appointment of members to the Municipal Planning Tribunal

Western Cape

Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 21552 in PG 8487 of 10 September 2021 – Knysna Local Municipality – Amendment of the Knysna Zoning Scheme By-law (2020) – for comment

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CASES

National

Secretary, Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture v Zuma 2021 (5) SA 1 (CC)
“Commission—Witnesses—Privileges—No right to remain silent—Privilege against self-incrimination applicable—Proper approach to raising such privilege—Commissions Act 8 of 1947, s 3(4).”

Federation of South African Fly Fisheries v Minister of Environmental Affairs (62486/2018) [2021] ZAGPPHC 575 (10 September 2021)
“Government Notice – GN 112 (draft alien and invasive species regulations), published by the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism on 16 February 2018 in Government Gazette No. 41445 is declared invalid and of no force or effect.
Government Notice – GN 115 (draft amendments to the alien and invasive species list), published by the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism on 16 February 2018 in Government Gazette No. 41445 is declared invalid and of no force or effect.”

International

Vecinos para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, No. 20-1045 (D.C. Cir. Aug. 3, 2021); Vecinos para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Nos. 20-1093, 20-1094 (D.C. Cir. Aug. 3, 2021)
“The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) failed to adequately analyze the climate change and environmental justice impacts of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on the Brownsville Shipping Channel in Texas and two pipelines that would carry LNG to one of the terminals. The court dismissed a challenge to a third LNG terminal on the Channel as moot after the developer informed FERC that the project would not go forward. With respect to climate change, the D.C. Circuit found that FERC failed to address the significance of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulation that the petitioners argued required use of the social cost of carbon or another methodology to assess the impacts of the projects’ greenhouse gas emissions. The regulation provides that “[i]f … information relevant to reasonably foreseeable significant adverse impacts cannot be obtained … because the means to obtain it are not known, the agency shall include within the environmental impact statement … [t]he agency’s evaluation of such impacts based upon theoretical approaches or research methods generally accepted in the scientific community.” The D.C. Circuit agreed with the petitioners that FERC was required to address the significance of this regulation and directed FERC to explain on remand whether the regulation calls for application of the social cost of carbon protocol or another framework. The D.C. Circuit also found that FERC arbitrarily limited the scope of its environmental justice analysis to communities within two miles of the facilities despite acknowledging that impacts would extend beyond a two-mile radius. Because of the deficiencies in the NEPA analyses, the court also found that FERC’s determinations of public interest and convenience under the Natural Gas Act (NGA) were deficient. The court remanded without vacatur, finding that it was reasonably likely that FERC could redress the deficiencies under NEPA and the NGA on remand and that vacating FERC’s orders “would needlessly disrupt completion of the projects.” In an unpublished judgment, the court rejected the petitioners’ other NEPA arguments regarding project design and capacity and cumulative ozone impacts.” [September 2021 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Update]

Northern Plains Resource Council v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, No. 20-35412 (9th Cir. Aug. 11, 2021)
“Ninth Circuit Said Appeals in Keystone XL Nationwide Permit Case Were Moot   Because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had issued a new nationwide permit (NWP) superseding NWP 12, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed, for lack of jurisdiction, appeals of a district court ruling that NWP 12’s issuance did not comply with Endangered Species Act consultation requirements and that the Corps could not rely on NWP 12 to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline. The Ninth Circuit said the new issuance of NWP 12 rendered the appeals moot and ordered the district court to dismiss the underlying claim. The Ninth Circuit declined, however, to take a position on whether the underlying cases were moot in their entirety and also declined to vacate any district court decisions. The federal district court for the District of Montana is to consider these issues on remand.” [September 2021 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Update]

Backcountry Against Dumps v. U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, No. 3:20-cv-02343 (S.D. Cal.  Aug. 6, 2021)
“The federal district court for the Southern District of California dismissed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA’s) approval of a lease between the Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians (the Tribe) and a renewable energy company for development of a wind energy project. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that the environmental impact statement failed to consider the project’s entire life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. In its order dismissing the case, the court concluded that the Tribe was a necessary party that could not be joined due to tribal sovereign immunity. The court further found that allowing the case to proceed absent the Tribe would prejudice the Tribe, and that the developer and BIA could not adequately represent the Tribe’s interests. Given this “unmitigable prejudice,” the court concluded “that this litigation cannot, in good conscience, continue in the Tribe’s absence.” The court rejected the plaintiffs’ contention that the action should be allowed to proceed under the “public rights” exception for litigation that transcends private interests and seeks to vindicate a public right. The plaintiffs appealed the court’s decision, which also overruled certain evidentiary objections and a motion to strike by the plaintiffs.” [September 2021 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Update]

Institute of Amazonian Studies v. Brazil (Brazil 4th Federal Regional Court)
“The Institute of Amazonian Studies (Instituto de Estudos Amazônicos – IEA) filed a Public Civil Action (class action) against the Federal Government of Brazil in October 2020, seeking recognition of a fundamental right to a stable climate for present and future generations under the Brazilian Constitution, and seeking an order to compel the federal government to comply with national climate law. Plaintiffs allege that the federal government has failed to comply with its own action plans to prevent deforestation and mitigate and adapt to climate change, violating national law and fundamental rights.   The Federal District Court of Curitiba issued an order rejecting jurisdiction and transferring the case to the 7th Federal Environmental and Agrarian Court of the Judiciary Section of Amazonas, on account of the alleged connection between this case and another case in that court. The other case involves a dispute over whether the government adequately implemented measures to combat those who put the Amazon forest and its ecological hotspots under threat during the Covid-19 pandemic. Plaintiffs appealed the transfer decision to the 4th Federal Regional Court.   On August 20, 2021, the appellate 4th Federal Regional Court suspended the lower court decision to transfer the case and returned the case to the Federal District Court of Curitiba. The Court found that this case and the ecological hotspots case “present quite different typology and structure, specialized instruments and distinct political-legal approaches, in addition to the fact that their object, cause of action and demands do not coincide.” The Court found that this case has as its central objective to put pressure on the legislative and executive branches to ensure a stable climate. The ecological hotspots case, on the other hand, addresses matters related to environmental law, and does not have a central theme linked to Brazilian climate legislation. The decision also includes a lengthy discussion of the unique nature and importance of climate litigation.” [September 2021 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Update]

Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility v. Santos (Federal Court of Australia)
“On August 25, 2021, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR), a shareholder advocacy NGO, sued Australian oil and gas company Santos over its claims that it provides clean energy natural gas and has a plan for net zero emissions by 2040. According to news reports, ACCR raised two major claims. First, ACCR alleges that Santos’ claims that natural gas is “clean fuel” that provides “clean energy” misrepresents the true effect of natural gas on the climate, including the large releases of carbon dioxide and methane during extraction and burning. Second, ACCR alleges that Santos’ claims that it has a clear and credible plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 are misleading. ACCR alleges that Santos plans to expand its natural gas operations and that the plan to achieve net zero emissions depends on undisclosed assumptions about the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage processes. The suit alleges that these misrepresentations are in violation of Australian consumer protection and corporations laws.” [September 2021 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Update]

Namibia Power Corporation (Pty) Ltd v Congo Namibia (Pty) Ltd 2021 (2) NR 483 (HC)
“Arbitration—Reference of dispute to arbitration—Validity of contract containing arbitration clause in dispute—Special plea—Defendant raising special plea that plaintiff had failed to refer dispute to arbitration as contemplated by their agreement but also contending that agreement nullity as it was tainted by illegality in that it (defendant) did not have licence to distribute electricity—Pleas mutually destructive.
Contract—Legality—Illegal contract—What constitutes—Agreement by power supplier (plaintiff) to distribute electricity to defendant who then on sold power to its customers—Defendant not having licence to sell electricity—That omission did not render original power supply agreement between plaintiff and defendant invalid or illegal—Electricity Act 4 2007, s 17(1)(e).”

Publications

National

Dlakavu S “Status of the South African Small and Junior Diamond Mining Sector” (AEON Report Series No. 7 2021)

Shaw JM et al “A large-scale experiment demonstrates that line marking reduces power line collision mortality for large terrestrial birds, but not bustards, in the Karoo, South Africa” 2021 123(1) Ornithological Applications https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithapp/duaa067 [IAIAsa News 2021/2022 6 September 2021]

Botes M “The use of geospatial surveillance data for public-health emergency and disaster management in South Africa: a review with legal recommendations” 2021 3 TSAR https://doi.org/10.47348/TSAR/2021/i3a4

International

Cosens B et al “Governing complexity: Integrating science, governance, and law to manage accelerating change in the globalized commons” 2021 118(36) PNAS https://www.pnas.org/content/118/36/e2102798118

Aidun H, Francis A and Gerard G “Using New York Law to advance Equity in the Transportation & Climate Initiative Program” (Report Sabin Center for Climate Change Law August 2021)

Silverman-Roati K, Webb R and Gerrard MB “Removing Carbon Dioxide Through Seaweed Cultivation: Legal Challenges and Opportunities” (Report Sabin Center for Climate Change Law September 2021)

Fischer R et al “Accelerated forest fragmentation leads to critical increase in tropical forest edge area” 2021 7(37) Science Advances DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg7012

News, Blogs, Discussions, Websites, Videos, ETC

South Africa

Biodiversity, Protected Areas, Culture

MSN: “Three rhino Kruger National Park poachers each get a hefty sentence” 5 September 2021

Cape Talk: “Here’s how the new Table Mountain National Park Forum will work” 6 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Bloom K “Conservationist vs David Mabuza: Court hears evidence of massive land claims fraud” 8 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Sgqolana T “Wide open spaces: Eastern Cape landowners near the Lesotho border stand to benefit if plans for a new national park are realised” 8 September 2021

Cape Argus: Engel K “Biodiversity bill generates wild discussion” 1 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Ndumi Ngumbi E “Bugs and climate change: What a warmer, wetter world means for insects and the crops they eat” 8 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Masehla T “What honeybees in South Africa need from people: Better-managed forage resources” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Brits E “Monkey Business (Part Three): Cape Peninsula’s dated baboon management plan is a failure, say critics” 6 September 2021

Mail & Guardian: Bega S “Climate crisis a threat to bird species” 9 September 2021

News24: Sama Yende S “Multimillion-rand Blyde River Canyon project goes ahead despite lawsuit” 9 September 2021

Biznews: Badenhorst C “Our rhino experience is like a profound Jurassic Park moment – Mantis CEO Paul Gardiner” 10 September 2021

DFFE: “Draft national freshwater (inland) wild capture fisheries policy approved by cabinet” 8 September 2021

DFFE: “The DFFE announces timeframes for fishing rights allocation process as Cabinet notes and endorses progress of FRAP 2021” 5 September 2021

Climate Change and Energy

Daily Maverick: Yelland C “Not so fast, Minister – Nersa to Gwede Mantashe on 2,500MW new nuclear build statement” 5 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Smillie S “The hand of extreme climate change tightens its grip on South African tourism” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Ngam R “The strangely enduring popularity of nuclear power — while Russia tells client states to ‘build now, pay later’” 6 September 2021

Mail & Guardian: Phillips T “SA hydrogen energy development poised to unlock investment” 9 September 2021

Mail & Guardian: Bega S “Climate change a ‘collective trauma of potentially epic proportions’ for South Africa” 8 September 2021

News24: Smith C “Fire at Kendal Power Station damages one unit, two others shut down” 11 September 2021

Bizcommunity: Chai A “Want to act on climate change but not sure how? Tweaking these 3 parts of your life will make the biggest difference” 10 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “Preferred bidder for 2,600MW renewable energy to be announced next month” 9 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “Do middle class South Africans care about the climate crisis?” 8 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “Central Energy Fund, Sasol sign gas MoU” 8 September 2021

BusinessLive: Steyn L “Sasol says support needed to realise green hydrogen dreams” 8 September 2021

Engineering News: Bulbulia T “Sapia warns South Africa’s refinery fleet could quickly become obsolete under new regulations” 10 September 2021

Engineering News: Arnoldi M “Green Connection calls for scrapping of the RMIPPPP” 10 September 2021

Engineering News: “Eskom unbundling fails to cut solvency risk, Futuregrowth says” 10 September 2021

Centre for Environmental Rights: “Climate change will have “profound adverse mental health implications” for those living in South Africa” 7 September 2021

Polity: “Rapid evidence assessment on the impacts of climate change on migration patterns” 8 September 2021

Polity: “The psychological and mental health consequences of climate change in South Africa” 7 September 2021

Environmental enforcement

Engineering News: De Bruyn C “DNG welcomes postponement of hearing into Karpowership’s RMIPPPP award” 9 September 2021

DFFE: “The DFFE welcomes hefty sentence handed down to rhino poachers” 6 September 2021

Local Government

Daily Maverick: Carnie T “UPL chemical fire: Sick of being patronised, Durban residents demand full medical surveillance” 5 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Evan J “Gauteng Quality of Life Survey: Informal settlements are hit the hardest by effects of climate change” 9 September 2021

GroundUp: Mafata M “Joburg can no longer rely on its water supply – Demand often exceeds supply as infrastructure crumbles” 10 September 2021

GroundUp: Human L “Water tests show dangerous levels of bacteria in Zandvlei, Zeekoevlei, and Rietvlei – Months after vleis closed, City makes results public” 6 September 2021

GroundUp: Mafata M “Informal waste reclaimers get World Wildlife Fund award” 8 September 2021

GroundUp: Rafapa M “Lack of clean water in Hammanskraal is a violation of rights, says SAHRC” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Ledwaba L “R3.3bn spent on infrastructure improvements, yet water remains a scarce resource for residents of Giyani” 9 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “CoCT calls on residents to register for review of Spatial Development Framework” 9 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “Eskom launches programme to boost use of green power” 9 September 2021

Mining

Daily Maverick: Healy H “Xolobeni: Justice grinds slowly and fails to protect victims of attacks and intimidation by pro-mining forces” 8 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Stoddard E “Department of Mineral Resources says solution to IT issues that caused delay in June mining data ‘imminent’” • 8 September 2021

Mining Weekly: Creamer M “Broadening ESG has provided clear paths to economic benefit – Sibanye-Stillwater” 10 September 2021

Mining Weekly: “Water Tribunal dismisses appeal against granting of Elandsfontein water-use licence” 10 September 2021

Water, Waste, Oceans and Chemicals

Daily Maverick: Van Rensburg D and Comrie S “UPL disaster: Initial tests found high levels of arsenic from Durban’s chemical spill” 9 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Guerrero Casas M “Waste management: A very public private affair” 9 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “How collaboration and technology can make South Africa a water-secure nation” 10 September 2021

allAfrica: “South Africa: Water and Sanitation On KwaZulu-Natal Dam Levels On 8 Sept” 8 September 2021

Engineering News: Liedtke S “SA Plastics Pact publishes first list of problematic, unnecessary plastics to be phased out” 10 September 2021

Miscellaneous

Lexology Clyde & Co LLP: Iyer I “Game Reserve avoids liability for visitor’s misstep” 7 September 2021 – caser referred to here

Africa

Biodiversity, Soil, Protected Areas and Culture

Daily Maverick: “Worrying signs for elephant conservation: Data shows 2020 rise in black-market ivory prices” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: Jacob M “Tanzania: Serengeti Intensifies Fight Against Poaching” 10 September 2021

allAfrica: “Namibia: Veld Fires Blaze Through a Total of 580,480 Ha Countrywide” 9 September 2021

BBC: Amos J “Upside-down rhino research wins Ig Nobel Prize” 10 September 2021

Climate Change and Energy

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Achieving SDG 7 in Africa: New Analysis Shows Where We Stand” 7 September 2021

Bizcommunity: Felix B “Senegal starts clock on $550m US grant to boost power supply” 10 September 2021

Bizcommunity: Amuzu-Sefordzi B “Renewable energy projects in rural Ghana have some built-in limitations” 8 September 2021

allAfrica: Nkumane Z “Africa: ‘Society Is Not Homogenous’ – Locating the Queerness in Climate Justice” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: Funk C “Madagascar: How Climate Change Contributed to Madagascar’s Food Crisis” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: Kentish A “Africa: In a Watershed Year for Climate Change, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Calls for Urgent, Decisive and Sustained Climate Action” 8 September 2021

allAfrica: “Africa: The World’s Forgotten Greenhouse Gas!” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: “Gambia: WABSA, GRCS Launch Youth Eco-Bridge Project in NBR” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: “Africa: New Guidelines to Help States Adapt to Climate Change” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: “Ethiopia Stands Ready and Willing to Take Strong Climate Action” 9 September 2021

The Independent: Dunne D “‘The climate crisis is a reality for all of us’: Africa’s unreported summer of extremes” 10 September 2021

Engineering News: Grimwood-Norley S (Bowmans) “Opinion: African power project boon?” 10 September 2021

Environmental enforcement

The Namibian: Smith S “I am coming to testify – Fishrot whistleblower” 7 September 2021

allAfrica: Matasva F “Zimbabwe: Results of Suspected Fish Poisoning At Fern Valley Dam Expected – EMA” 10 September 2021

Local government

Daily Maverick: Pieterse E “Turning Africa’s cities from decaying dead-end wastelands into a source of optimism and sustainable development” 6 September 2021

allAfrica: “Namibia: Rundu Sewage Still Flows Freely” 9 September 2021

Engineering News: Arnoldi M “Municipalities improve on underspending in 2020/21” 10 September 2021

Mining

Extractives Baraza: Musisi F “Oil Sector Registers Improved Ratings in New Global Index” 7 September 2021

Extractives Baraza: Iannucci E “New Study Extends Kwale Mine Life” 7 September 2021

Centre for Investigative Journalism: “VP Tsogwane accused of ‘quarry mine grab” [Botswana] 9 September 2021

Centre for Investigative Journalism: Lescij L “Sandstone Producer In ‘Illegal’ Extension Of Mining Site” [Lesotho] 9 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “NGOs seek to halt proposed mining activities in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park” 6 September 2021

allAfrica: Adediran I “Nigeria: Lagos Community Battles Indiscriminate Waste Dumping By Cart Pushers” 8 September 2021

allAfrica: Gahigi MK “Rwanda: Bicycle Ride-Sharing App Gets the Green Light to Launch in Various Kigali Locations” 8 September 2021

Mining Weekly: “Zambian President promises to cut deficit, review mining policies” 10 September 2021

Mining Weekly: “Ionic lays out immediate priorities for Makuutu project” [Uganda] 10 September 2021

Mining Weekly: Arnoldi M “Alrosa commits to collaboration with DRC State miner” 9 September 2021

Water, oceans, waste and chemicals

allAfrica: Kachere P “Zimbabwe: Water Availability Brings Joy to Binga Villagers” 11 September 2021

allAfrica: Abiodun E “Nigeria: Nimasa Automates Ship Registration Verification, Begins Enforcement of Marine Environment Protection Regulations” 11 September 2021

allAfrica: “Ethiopia: Two Turbines of GERD Will Generate Electricity in First Months of Ethiopian New Year” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: “Ethiopia: Flood Affects Some 617,000 People, Displaced 214,000 Others Across Various Regions in Ethiopia” 9 September 2021

allAfrica: Nkurunziza M “Rwanda: What Is the Value of Rwanda’s Protected Wetlands?” 9 September 2021

Miscellaneous

Daily Maverick: Planting S “Standard Bank aims to bridge Africa’s infrastructure funding gap” 8 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “VNR Update: 15 Countries Planning to Participate in 2022 HLPF” 10 September 2021

Environmental Lawyers Network of Namibia: Membership is free – for more information contact ELNN

Investigative Platform: Gondwe G “Questions over Malawi-Mozambique K48 Bn Railway Project” 2 September 2021

International

Biodiversity, Protected Areas, and Culture

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Moloney A and Teixeira F “Two years on, forest pact’s ‘good intentions’ do little to protect Amazon” 6 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Biodiversity Framework Will Need Finance, Capacity, Monitoring: CBD Pre-COP” 7 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “Conservation finance attracts huge investor interest despite challenges –study” 8 September 2021

Lexology: “Stimulating biodiversity credit creation in NSW” [Australia] 8 September 2021

The Conversation: Ryding S and Symonds M “New research reveals animals are changing their body shapes to cope with climate change” 7 September 2021

Network Nature: “Nature-based solutions in the new IPCC report” 10 August 2021

Lexology: “Forging Ahead with Freshwater Farm Plans” 3 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Smillie S “Insect apocalypse: Dung beetles shrink or die at elevated CO2 levels, Wits scientists find” 6 September 2021

Science: Kaiser J and Wadman M “NIH sued for blocking social media comments from animal rights activists – Filtering words such as “monkey” and “torture” violates right to free speech, suit alleges” [USA] 10 September 2021

The Jurist: Profiri I “Australia Indigenous leaders file UN complaint over proposed heritage bill” 9 September 2021

The Guardian: Greenfield P “An actor, two big bees and a lot of experts: a week spent tackling the planet’s problems” 11 September 2021

The Guardian: Philips T and Milhorance F “Indigenous warrior women take fight to save ancestral lands to Brazilian capital” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: Tran M “‘It’s not sustainable’: overcrowding is changing the soul of US national parks” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: Barkham P “British dragonfly numbers soar as warming climate attracts new species” 7 September 2021

The Guardian: Greenfield P “Avocados and vanilla among dozens of wild crop relatives facing extinction” 7 September 2021

The Guardian: Cox L “Zero extinction target for NSW national parks welcomed by environment groups” 6 September 2021

The Guardian: Cox L “Environmentalists vow to block woodchip export plan in NSW Hunter region” 8 September 2021

The Independent: Graziosi G “More than 100 oil-soaked birds found after Hurricane Ida caused spill from flooded refinery” 10 September 2021

The Independent: Sarkar AR “Polar bears are inbreeding due to melting sea ice” 10 September 2021

The Independent: Cockburn H “Wolf at the door: How Europeans must relearn to live alongside large carnivores” 10 September 2021

The Independent: Sankaran V “Over one-third of shark and ray species are headed towards extinction due to overfishing, study says” 9 September 2021

The Independent: Cockburn H “New ‘eel pass’ in Yorkshire will help critically endangered species complete migration” 9 September 2021

Reuters: “Indonesia ends deforestation pact with Norway, citing non-payment” 11 September 2021

Euractiv: Thies C and Wabiwa I “To stop deforestation, banks too must be reined in” 7 September 2021

Thomas Reuters Foundation: “Tree planting efforts aren’t replacing burned U.S. forests — not even close” 9 September 2021

Climate Change and Energy

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Beh Lih Yi “Climate groups call for COP26 summit delay over vaccines, costs” 7 September 2021

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Rowling M “COP26 summit urged to prioritise adaptation as ‘climate emergency’ surges” 6 September 2021

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Neslen A “Europe’s electric car revolution risks job loss backlash, unions warn” 6 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “World’s largest renewable energy-powered DAC project starts up in Iceland” 8 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “Argentina makes plea for debt-for-climate swaps ahead of COP26” 9 September 2021

Sydney Morning Herald: Toscano N “BP, Macquarie see a green future for shuttered Australian oil refinery” 7 September 2021

India Ministry of Coal: “Ministry of Coal Constitutes Task Force and Expert Committee to Prepare Road Map for Coal based Hydrogen Production” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: “World’s Top Oil Guzzlers Surpass Pre-Pandemic Consumption” 9 September 2021

Climate Law Blog: Aidun H and Hodges C “States Prohibiting Natural Gas Bans Feign Concern for ‘Energy Choice’” 9 September 2021

Climate Law Blog: Silverman-Roati K and Webb R “Removing Carbon Dioxide Through Seaweed Cultivation: Legal Challenges and Opportunities” 7 September 2021

Lexology: “Unlocking the seas: Commonwealth Government introduces legislation to drive offshore renewable energy investment” 8 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “UNECE Releases 44 Recommended Climate Indicators for National Reporting” 10 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Largest Source of Lead Pollution Phased Out in All Countries” 10 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “EU lawmakers wary of CO2 cost hit to poor people, urge speedier end to free allocations” 9 September 2021

Sky News: Coates S “Exclusive: Ministers bowed to pressure to drop key climate commitments for UK trade deal with Australia” 8 September 2021

NOAA: “Summer 2021 neck and neck with Dust Bowl summer for hottest on record” [USA] 9 September 2021

Extractives Baraza: “Total is Spending $27 Billion in Iraq. This Time It’s About Solar Energy, Too” 7 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “China starts green power trading scheme, clouds outlook for renewable-backed offsets” 7 September 2021

Politico: Mathiesen K “Green groups call to postpone COP26 over unequal access” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Van Diemen E “Two million deaths, $3.64-trillion in losses: New UN report counts the cost of 50 years of climate- and weather-related natural disasters” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Ngcuka O “The social cost of emissions could choke the global economy, new study finds” 6 September 2021

Bloomberg: Martewicz M “Poland Wants to Detail EU Role in Surging Electricity Prices” 10 September 2021

Clean Energy Wire: Wehrmann B “Germany can achieve net zero emissions by 2045 at net zero costs – consultancy” 10 September 2021

Clean Energy Wire: Wehrmann B “Three successful bids with zero support revive flagging German offshore wind expansion” 10 September 2021

Clean Energy Wire: Wehrmann B “Tripling of climate investments needed if Germany wants to reach 2030 target – think tanks” 8 September 2021

KFGO: “Norway offers two new offshore areas for CO2 storage” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: Morton A “NSW can ‘absolutely’ stop using coal power by 2030, energy minister says” [Australia] 10 September 2021

The Guardian: Harvey F “UK ministers ‘met fossil fuel firms nine times as often as clean energy ones’” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: “Europe’s coal legacy – in pictures” 7 September 2021

The Independent: Sankaran V “World’s biggest factory to suck carbon from the sky turns on in Iceland” 10 September 2021

Euractiv: Simon F “Climate tops list of global threats in EU ‘strategic foresight’ report” 8 September 2021

Euractiv: Simon F “As German election nears, EU plays for time on nuclear’s green recognition” 10 September 2021

Euractiv: Simon F “Researcher: Brussels is paving the way for nuclear power’s green revival” 10 September 2021

Euractiv: Keating D “Media Partnership – The road to COP26: what is the role of biofuels?” 10 September 2021

Euractiv: Simon F “Carbon removal strategy – Is it needed and will it make a difference?” 9 September 2021

Euractiv: Baker J “Forest restoration and tree-planting – What impact for climate change mitigation?” 9 September 2021

Carbon Brief: Irrgang C et al “Guest post: How artificial intelligence is fast becoming a key tool for climate science” 7 September 2021

Environmental Enforcement

Lexology: “Legal challenge to the DfT’s £27bn road building plan dismissed” [UK] 8 September 2021

Lexology: “Landmark Proceedings Challenge Veracity of Climate Change Commitments by Australian Corporates” 9 September 2021

Lexology: “Australian Court Rules Environmental Regulator is Duty Bound to Develop Climate Change Policies” 9 September 2021

The Guardian: “Eight men convicted in French court for trafficking rhino horn and ivory” 8 September 2021

Lexology: “Article III standing still proving to be a formidable defense to environmental citizen suits” [USA] 7 September 2021

The Conversation: Bloss W “Air pollution: science shows there’s no safe limit – here’s how laws must change” 7 September 2021

Lexology: “Victoria’s Environment Protection regime: the general environmental duty” 2 September 2021

The Guardian: Weston P “France threatened with legal action over use of pesticides” 9 September 2021

Nature: Schiermayer Q “Climate science is supporting lawsuits that could help save the world” 8 September 2021

Local government

Governor New York City: “In Advance of Climate Week 2021, Governor Hochul Announces New Actions to Make New York’s Transportation Sector Greener, Reduce Climate-Altering Emissions” 8 September 2021

ICLEI: “Reshaping our future through local and subnational biodiversity action”

ICLEI: “The Edinburgh Process and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework”

ICLEI: “City of Campinas, Brazil, implements works to improve the quality of life and preserve the region’s wildlife” 31 August 2021

Clever Cities: Nature Based Solutions

International Climate Initiatives: “How cities are protecting and making use of their natural resources” 31 August 2021

ICLEI City Talk: “Musashino City considers both local and regional perspectives in its nature orientated environmental solutions” 7 September 2021

The Star: “City to take over supply from Eskom” 6 September 2021

Lexology: “Changes for public and private sector developments in proposed new Planning Regulations in New South Wales” 2 September 2021

The Guardian: Skopeliti C “Ministers ‘to ditch overhaul of planning laws’ after criticism” 11 September 2021

BBC: “Oxford Zero Emission Zone: Timeline set for start of pilot” 8 September 2021

Euractiv: Taylor K “Western Balkans pressed to tackle deadly air pollution from coal” 7 September 2021

Euractiv: Rapf O “It’s high time to make the EU’s buildings directive fit for 2030 and beyond” 7 September 2021

Mining

Responsible Investor: “‘Net-Zero-by-2050’ banks line up debut USD bond for Russia’s largest coal company” 8 September 2021

The Guardian: Carrington D “How much of the world’s oil needs to stay in the ground?” 8 September 2021 – also read Nature

Extractives Baraza: “Australia Stands by Coal ‘Beyond 2030’ after UN Warns of Economic Havoc” 7 September 2021

Extractives Baraza: “UK Opens Public Inquiry into Proposed New Deep Coal Mine” 8 September 2021

Bizcommunity: “Gold miners commit to climate risk reporting” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: McVeigh K “Conservationists call for urgent ban on deep-sea mining” 9 September 2021

The Guardian: Greene T “Coal from planned Cumbria mine may go outside UK and EU, inquiry told” 7 September 2021

Mining Weekly: Webb M “Biden administration moves to permanently block Pebble as new PEA outlines project’s long-term potential” 10 September 2021

Mining Weekly: Iannucci E “Comet raises funds for Maholo drilling” [Australia] 10 September 2021

Mining Weekly: Campbell R “World nuclear energy use to grow over next 20 years, requiring increased uranium mining” 9 September 2021

Reuters: Gardner T “U.S. House panel passes reconciliation bill protecting Arctic reserve from drilling” 10 September 2021

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Elks S “Green-minded Glasgow seeks to heat homes from river and air” 9 September 2021

Water, Oceans, Waste and Chemicals

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Ministerial Calls for Global Agreement on Marine Litter, Plastic Pollution” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Ngcuka O “Plastic waste: A multitrillion-dollar problem for society” 6 September 2021

The Jurist: Profiri I “California Assembly passes bill banning the labelling of exported plastic waste as ‘recycled’” 10 September 2021

The Guardian: Taylor D “HS2 loses large amount of potentially highly polluting bentonite” [UK] 10 September 2021

Thomas Reuters Foundation: Neslen A “Surging wind industry faces its own green dilemma: landfills” 10 September 2021

Lexology: “Not with a bang but a whimper — EPA decides no Clean Water Act regulations better after all” 8 September 2021

Lexology: “WOTUS Development: EPA and Army Corps Implement New Wetlands Guidance Returning to Rapanos” 8 September 2021

The Guardian: Boztas S “Netherlands proposes radical plans to cut livestock numbers by almost a third” 9 September 2021

Lexology: “PFAS Update: EPA Proposes Reporting on the Last 10 Years of Manufacture or Import of Products Containing PFAS” [USA] 7 September 2021

Lexology: “California Issues Emergency Rulemaking to Address Regulation of Metal Shredding Wastes” [USA] 7 September 2021

Lexology: “Chile: Waste management bill, the extended producer responsibility and recycling promotion, in particular, tire regulation” 7 September 2021

Lexology: “Uncertainty Over ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Definition Continues, as Federal Court in Arizona Vacates 2020 Rule” [USA] 7 September 2021

Lexology: “Maritime transport. The first report on the environmental impact in the Union” [EU] 6 September 2021

Science: Stokstad E “Cattle drug poses deadly new threat to Asia’s” 8 September 2021

The Independent: Sandoval K “Scientists find climate crisis has changed Sierra Nevada lakes more in past 100 years than in three millennia” 10 September 2021

The Independent: James L “Deepwater Horizon: Oysters off the Gulf of Mexico plagued with tissue abnormalities after 2010 oil spill” 10 September 2021

Miscellaneous

DW: “Indian farmers stage huge rally against agriculture laws” 5 September 2021

The University of Utah: Resources for Environmental Law Professors & Professionals on public lands, water law, energy law, environmental law and natural resources

World Justice Project: Atlas of Legal Needs Surveys 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: Fernanda Espinosa M and Perell D “Building a Coalition for the UN We Need” 7 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: Lidder P and Chaya M “Agricultural Technologies are Key to Agri-Food Systems Transformation” 7 September 2021

Daily Maverick: Evans J “Let’s clear the air: United Nations campaigns for global treaty to tackle threat of pollution” 8 September 2021

Lexology: “The pitfalls associated with sustainability-linked bonds” 1 September 2021

Lexology: “Cause for Social Celebration: The Renewal of the Bangladesh Accord” 8 September 2021

IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “SDG Moment Will Provide Reality Check with Nine Years to Go” 9 September 2021

Carbon Pulse: “EU unveils ‘Covid green bond’ framework to help fund post-pandemic recovery” 7 September 2021

Euractiv: “Gas excluded from green bond financing under recovery fund” 7 September 2021

Conferences, Workshops, Study Opportunities

National

South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (SAIFAC):  10-part series on Climate Change Leadership: Bringing Science, People and Policy Together

• 30 September 2021: Topic 9: Preparing for COP 26 – What does South Africa want from the COP negotiations?
• 14 October 2021: Topic 10: Where to from here? The role of the next generation and their views on a safe and human world for all

More information available on the SAIFAC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SAIFAConline

NWU CLES Critical Conversation series: Prof Marius Pieterse (University of the Witwatersrand) Making room for corporate co-governance of South African cities in the public-law relationship
Date: 16 September 2021, 14:00 – 15:15pm
Please register for this event by 14 September 2021

Webber Wentzel: In conversation with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong
Dr Soon-Shiong is a South African physician, surgeon, scientist, inventor, technologist and philanthropist who has devoted his career to understanding the fundamental biology driving life-threatening diseases and translating these insights into medical innovations with global impact.
Date:  Tuesday, 14 September 2021
Time:   17h00 – 18h00 (CAT)
Registration

5th WRC Biennial Symposium Re-Imagine, Re-Build and Repeat: Future Proofing Water
Dates: 20-22 September 2021
This year’s theme focuses on strategies and approaches that the water sector should adopt when working towards “future proofing water”.
More information

Global Environmental Law Centre (GELC), Applied Constitutional Study Laboratory (ACSL) at the Dullah Omar Institute, Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape Webinar: Climate Change and Constitutional Law
In March 2021 the German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) found the Federal Climate Change Act (Klimaschutzgesetz) to be partially unconstitutional to the extent that it failed to protect persons from future restrictions that may become necessary after 2030 as the danger of climate change evolves.
In this webinar we talk to one of Germany’s leading scholars of constitutional law and climate change, Prof. Dr. Dr. Felix Ekardt about Germany’s constitutional regime to protect the environment, the decision in the case and its implication for the development of German constitutional law in the area of climate change, and how his own research (Sustainability: Transformation, Governance, Ethics, Law Springer Nature 2019) helped to shape the outcome of the case.
Date: Wednesday 29 September 2021| 14:00 – 16:00 PM (SAST)
More information and registration

For more information contact Valma Hendricks ( ) | Angela Van Der Berg ( / )

LDRN 5th Annual Conference: Beyond the Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities for Law and Development
Date: 24-26 November 2021 (Hosted virtually on Zoom by Nelson Mandela University, South Africa)
Closure for abstracts: 15 September 2021
More information

NWU Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management as well as the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Biodiversity Research Centre: Conservation Leadership and Futures Thinking – why is it important?
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2021
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 Zoom
More information and registration

National University of Lesotho and University of Johannesburg: Interrogating the construct and Application of SADC Community Law within Members States Towards Achieving Regional Integration
Date: 11 November 2021
Abstracts: 30 September 2021
Abstracts or papers may address the following sub-themes or any other sub-theme related to the overall theme: 1. Peace and Security in the SADC Region 2. Democracy, Elections, Governance and Accountability 3. The Impact of Covid 19 on Social Security within the SADC Region. 4. Covid 19 and regional trade within the SADC: Lessons for the future 5. Technology in times of pandemic: Lessons from the SADC Region
For more information or to send an abstract contact: Adv. Marealeboha Makau at   and Dr. Lloyd Chigowe at

Faculty of Law at Nelson Mandela University: 5th International Law and Development Research Network Conference: Beyond the Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities for Law and Development
Date: 24-26 November 2021 via our Zoom Platform.
Abstracts are due on 15 September 2021
More information

North-West University LLM/MPhil in Environmental Law and Governance
Read more about the programme or email the Programme Coordinator, Prof Michelle Barnard.
Applications for 2022 close on 31 October 2021
Apply here or email for more information

International

The Road to COP 26/CMA 3 Preparatory Lecture Series:
Date: 24 September 2021, 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) Equity and Fairness in International Climate Change Law by Lavanya Rajamani, Professor of International Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford
Date: 8 October 2021, 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) The Compensation Question: Loss and Damages by Linda Siegele, Legal Advisor to AOSIS Member States
More information

ACCESS Conversations on Climate Change
More information and to register please follow this link.

Daring Cities 2021: The Global Virtual Forum for Urban Leaders Taking on the Climate Emergency – Registration open
Dates: 4-8 October 2021
More information
Free registration and participation

BSI: Built Environment Monthly Free Webinar – Infrastructure – Actions towards Net Zero
Date: 22 September 2021 Time: 12:30 – 14:00 UK time
Registration and more information

Sustainability Summit 2021
Date: 21-23 September 2021
Programme and registration

World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2021 Global Launch
Date and time: Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 4:00 PM SAST
Registration

IAIA Online Training Course: Foundations of Impact Assessment
Dates: 20 September – 10 December 2021 (20-30 hours to complete – fee payable)
More information

Melbourne Climate Futures Webinar
Date: 17 September @ 1-2pm AEST
We are bringing together industry leaders for a conversation, moderated by Ali Moore (formerly ABC News), on what role business is and can be playing to take forward climate action. The event is a free public webinar:  Register here and more information

Groningen University: Global Virtual Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET22)
Date: 23-24 September 2021
More information and registration

What to Expect at UNGA 76 Webinar
Date: 14 September 2021 10 a.m. New York / 4 p.m. Geneva
UNGA 76 will meet against a challenging backdrop—the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the planning of Build Forward Better, a growing discussion on the value of multilateralism, the need to make global governance more effective, unfolding UN reforms, the urgency of responding to climate change, the definition of new biodiversity targets, insufficient progress towards the SDGs…
Join a virtual conversation with CEPEI, IISD, and sustainable development leaders from around the world as we consider the essential elements of the 76th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly and what to watch for.
Register online

IAIA: New online training course: Effective engagement in IA: Working to International Good Practice Standards
Dates: 21, 23, 28 & 30 September 2021 (08:00-11:00 UTC each day)
Course ID: OTC-21-01
More information and registration

Vacancies, Bursaries, Funding, Opportunities, etc.

National

Vacancy: Part-Time Advocacy Officer, Birdlife South Africa
BirdLife South Africa is looking for a qualified, dedicated and dynamic person to fill the position of part-time Advocacy Officer. The ideal candidate would have a strong understanding of South African environmental law and policy, have experience in reviewing and commenting on environmental authorisation applications, and be a strategic and proactive individual with a passion for conservation.
The successful applicant will be required to commit 16 hours per week to the work of BirdLife South Africa’s Policy and Advocacy Programme and will be responsible for coordinating this Programme’s responses to development applications and authorisations which threaten priority species and habitats, contributing to its efforts to influence relevant legislative and policy processes and develop various guidance documents, and providing cross-cutting policy and advocacy support to other programmes in BirdLife South Africa’s Conservation Division.
The closing date to submit applications is 17 September 2021.
More information  

Warburton Attorneys Inc: Candidate Attorney and Junior Associate
Warburton Attorneys Inc, a Johannesburg based law firm specialising in environmental law, is expanding and is inviting suitable applicants to submit their CV’s for positions that are currently available at the candidate attorney and junior associate levels. The ideal applicants should already have a Master’s degree in environmental law, however we will consider applicants who are in the process of obtaining their Master’s degree in environmental law. Consideration will also be given to applicants who can readily demonstrate that they have extensive experience in the application of environmental law in the South African context. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a keen interest in environmental law are absolute requirements.
If you meet the above requirements, then please submit a CV together with a short cover letter and your academic record to .

IMBEWU Sustainability Legal Specialists (Pty) Ltd: Paralegal with excellent IT skills
IMBEWU Sustainability Legal Specialists (Pty) Ltd, a Johannesburg based environmental law consultancy, is looking for a para-legal with excellent IT skills and a keen and demonstrable interest in environmental law. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are an absolute requirement for the role.
If you meet the above requirements, then please submit a CV together with a short cover letter and your academic record to .

SANBI Call for postgraduate scholarships 2022
Only related to specific science topics, specific supervisors and universities
Closing date: 30 September 2021
More information

Birdlife Africa: Part time Advocacy Officer
Closing date: 17 September 2021
More information

University of the Western Cape: Associate Professor/Professor: International law, Public law, Jurisprudence
Closing date: 28 September 2021
More information

GG Financial Recruitment: Law Associate: Corporate & Commercial Cape Town
More information

France – South Africa Scholarship Programme
Directed to South African students who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD.
The programme is also open to students from Lesotho.
Closing date: 17 October 2021
The current call for applications is open for students who intend to start their studies in France in September 2022. Applicants will be contacted individually as needed. The list of the laureates and the waiting list will be announced according to the indicated timeline. Follow-up requests by applicants will not be answered.
Due to the differences between the Southern and Northern hemisphere calendars, laureates will follow a specific programme in South Africa from January to July 2022. This track will include online French courses organized by the network of the Alliances Françaises. It may also include an internship in French Companies based in South Africa, depending on the opportunities and the profile of each laureate.
This call for applications is open to all fields of studies.
Applicants are invited to read carefully the rulebook for the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme and the frequently asked questions. You can also consult the Campus France South Africa website to find more details on higher education institutions and study programmes in France. If you need any help or advice on finding the most appropriate programme for you, you can contact Campus France South Africa.

Supreme Staffing Solutions: Disabled Candidate Attorney
More information

University of the Free State: Associate Professor/Professor in Law
Closing date: 24 September 2021
More information

The Constitutional Court Trust (CCT) is launching a fellowship programme to benefit young lawyers committed to forwarding constitutional and human rights law
“The fellowship opens to candidates from 2022 and will afford one early career lawyer per year the opportunity to study towards an LLM at University College London (UCL) , one of the top-ranked universities in the world.
The new fellowship is named in memory of the late chief justice Pius Langa. “Justice Langa was not only central to the establishment of the Constitutional Court Trust but, more importantly, his dedication, humility and commitment to the notion that service must be at the heart of leadership are rare qualities we believe young lawyers should be aspiring to emulate in contemporary SA,” said CCT chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe.
Langa’s family welcomed the establishment of the fellowship, saying: “We look forward to seeing a new generation of lawyers committed to justice and transformation in Africa being developed through this fellowship programme.”
Other fellowships administered by the CCT have been limited to selected former clerks of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court. In the case of this new fellowship, however, the decision was taken to extend this opportunity to include exceptional young South African and African lawyers who have worked for an SA NGO in a legal programme focused on constitutional and human rights law.
Prof David Bilchitz, a trustee of the Constitutional Court Trust and professor at both the University of Johannesburg and the University of Reading, said: “We hope that the opportunity to study for an LLM degree will further contribute to strengthening civil society and its contribution to the advancement of constitutional democracy in our country.”
The fellowship award will be for £20,000 to cover travel and living expenses for the fellow, funded by the CCT’s kindred organisation the UK-based charity the South African Constitutional Court Trust — UK. UCL Faculty of Laws will be providing a full-tuition waiver (2021 value: £28,500) to the fellows selected by the CCT.
Application details can be found here and must be submitted to by email before Sunday, October 3. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place virtually in late October.” [Source: TimesLive 31 August 2021]

International

Dean of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Southampton Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences United Kingdom

Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice Michigan State University College of Social Science United States

Lecturer in Geography and Sustainable Communities University of Wollongong Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Australia

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Law
York University Law School

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
University of California Davis

Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice
Michigan State University College of Social Science

Intern/Junior Support, Value Change Initiative, SustainCERT – Amsterdam

Senior Manager, Digital Programme (GSIQ), Gold Standard – Remote (Europe preferred)

Head of International Offsets R&D, GreenCollar – Sydney/Remote

Research Fellow, Policy Exchange – London

Green Finance Platform Community Engagement Consultant, UNEP – Remote

Temple University Beasley School of Law:  Several entry-level or junior lateral faculty positions beginning in fall 2022.
Our primary needs are in race and the law, criminal law, and torts, with additional needs in constitutional law, evidence, employment/labor law, civil procedure, criminal procedure, law and technology, and environmental law. We may also fill an endowed Chair, for which we will consider tenured, established scholars specializing in civil rights and/or constitutional law. Potential candidates for any of these positions are encouraged to submit materials at https://law.temple.edu/engage/prospective-faculty-application-2021/. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Jane B. Baron, Chair of the Faculty Selection Committee at .

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Featured Image: Jean van der Meulen

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