“Decarbonisation is not just a climate issue – it is a human development rights concern”

On Monday at the Africa Climate Forum 2025, Day 1, our Senior Partner, Olasupo Shasore, SAN, delivered a keynote address calling for a “Just Green Transition,” reminding us that Africa’s decarbonisation journey must balance inclusion with sustainable development goals.

He highlighted the growing gap between legal climate commitments and action. From the non-compliance with the Paris Agreement’s $100 billion per annum climate finance pledge to low climate financing for Africa, and the dismissal of NGO-led climate justice cases in Nigerian courts, such as Douglas v. Shell (1997) and Centre for Pollution Watch v. NNPC (2013). He urged a move away from such narrow interpretations and actions.

He further called for equitable carbon pricing strategies that recycle revenue back to low-income communities and emphasised the need for strong Legislative frameworks for Urgent but humane decarbonisation that align with international obligations while remaining sensitive to development rights.