Youth-led environmental groups in South Africa have challenged the government’s plans for developing coal-fired power stations. The case is the country’s first youth-led climate change litigation. The applicants argue that the government’s plan threatens their constitutional rights, including the right to a healthy environment and the well-being of present and future generations, emphasising that the development of new coal power stations will disproportionately affect children and future generations. Legal representatives for the government responded by stating that there is no evidence that the Integrated Resource Plan (which the proposed coal plants fall under) violates South Africa’s Constitution, and that they engaged with the youth during the public consultation period.
