Climate, Fossil Fuels, and Health Justice in Africa: Science, Law, and Action Ahead

Africa is at the frontline of the climate crisis, experiencing escalating heat, floods, droughts, food insecurity, displacement, and disease, despite having contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. At the core of this crisis lies continued dependence on fossil fuels, which harm health directly through air, water, and soil pollution, and indirectly through climate change and ecosystem disruption.

Public health voices across Africa are increasingly calling for climate action grounded in health protection, equity, and justice. Yet many health professionals have had limited exposure to the full spectrum of climate and fossil fuel–related health harms, the legal obligations of states and corporations, and the emerging international and regional legal pathways that can support accountability, action and justice.