South Africa’s top court blocks Shell oil exploration off country’s Wild Coast
In a landmark judgment on Aug. 14, South Africa’s Constitutional Court set aside exploration rights held by oil giant Shell and Impact Africa, a South African oil and gas company. The ruling prevents the companies from exploring for fossil fuels off South Africa’s Wild Coast. The case was brought by Wild Coast communities and environmental […]
On August 14, South Africa's Constitutional Court struck down exploration permits granted to Shell and Impact Africa, blocking offshore fossil fuel exploration off the country's Wild Coast. The ruling came after the communities and environmental groups challenged Shell's plans to conduct a 3D seismic survey in the Eastern Cape province, citing concerns over failure to consult affected communities and potential harm to their cultural rights, livelihoods, marine life, and the environment.
Chief Justice Jody Kollapen emphasized that consulting communities is more than a mere procedural step, but a means of affirming human dignity by involving those who bear the brunt of such decisions. The court recognized the historical significance of land dispossession during apartheid and the ongoing struggles of coastal communities to safeguard their natural resources and traditional ways of life.
The judges also took into account last year's International Court of Justice advisory opinion on countries' climate change obligations, urging decision-makers to adopt a "framework of heightened diligence," factoring in scientific knowledge, international commitments, and anticipated impacts of emissions on present and future generations.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
