A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights that frames the climate crisis as a legal and human rights issue. The request is brought by the Pan African Lawyers Union along with other African civil society organisations. The applicants ask the court to provide guidance—through an advisory opinion—on what responsibilities African governments have under human rights law in the context of climate change. The request focuses on the duty to protect people from the harms caused by the climate crisis and to address the environmental damage linked to current economic practices. It also asks about obligations that may require states to shift away from activities and energy systems that drive climate change, including phasing out fossil fuels. The case is presented as a way to clarify how existing human rights standards apply to climate impacts across the continent, and what legal duties states may have to adopt and enforce policies aimed at mitigation and protection. The hearing centers on interpreting state duties under human rights law as they relate to climate action.