Climate Change and Environmental Governance of the Global South: Comparative Appraisal of Nigeria and South Africa

Africa is arguably the least contributing region to carbon emissions, which remains the major source of climate change. However, the perception that the continent has a very poor status when compare with other continents of the world, suggest that much needs to be done to respond to the challenges of climate change, with respect to global recognition. Especially, in altering environmental indices towards the collective wellbeing and the related activities for climate change response, in terms of mitigation and adaptation, by reaching advanced stage at both international and national levels. The study adopted qualitative methodology, through purposive interviewing of officials of environmental institutions, environmental experts, media and civil society organisations as well as for the determination of participants of Focus Group Discussion in communities selected as study locations. Lagos State is a major coastal state in Nigeria and it is the commercial nerve centre of the country. It is the biggest subnational economy and most populous city in Africa. Kwazulu Natal is also very prominent among South Africa’s nine Provinces. Apart from being one of South Africa’s major coastal Provinces, its massive population, being the second largest in the country and the fact that it has a burgeoning economy which centres on manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and a massive maritime presence makes the province relevant in environmental governance issues within the rainbow nation. With the institution of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, efforts at saving humanity from the perils of a changing climate, gained unprecedented momentum. The Framework is at the heart of development of environmental governance, which advocates for multi-level and participatory response to climate change.