GrandHedge International’s Legal Director Speaks at University of Maryland and Wilson Center Conference on Environmental Advocacy

Emmanuella Doreen Kwofie Esq., our Legal Director, was invited to speak at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Center for Transnational Environmental Accountability (CTEA), and The Wilson Center. The conference, held recently, focused on environmental advocacy through litigation and the role of China in Africa’s Just Energy Transition.

Key Highlights of her Speaking Engagement: During the conference, Emmanuella Doreen Kwofie, along with other renowned environmental lawyers and experts, reached several critical conclusions:

Litigation as a Potent Instrument: Litigation serves as a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and accountability, emphasizing its importance in driving environmental justice.

Non-Litigation Tools: Non-litigation methods, including demonstrations, media interviews, diplomatic calls, negotiations, and independent accountability mechanisms, are equally effective in achieving environmental justice.

Exploring Both Mechanisms: A more effective approach to environmental justice involves exploring both litigation and non-litigation mechanisms to determine the most suitable strategy for each case or situation.

Collaboration for Justice Goals: Environmental law clinics and civil society organizations can collaborate to achieve environmental and climate justice goals.

Role of Major Polluters: The world's top two polluters, China and the USA, must intensify their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide financial support to developing countries for their mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Diverse Legal Approaches: Environmental lawyers can explore various areas of law for their environmental litigation beyond the human rights approach, including tort, alternative dispute resolution where applicable, and the use of common law principles.

The conference provided a platform for extensive discussions, fostering new networks and refining strategies aimed at advancing intersectional climate justice. Emmanuella Doreen Kwofie looks forward to continuing her work in environmental advocacy and collaborating with global experts to address pressing climate issues.

It was an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event. The opportunity to share knowledge and learn from esteemed environmental lawyers such as Paul Hoffman, JingJing Z., Marie Saveroski, Manele Mpofu, Mazi Choshane, Kenneth Paa Kwesi Agyir, William Piermattei, Samantha Atukunda Kakuru, Mwesigwa Michael Robinson-Dorn, Letty Thomas, Ciro Brito, and many others was invaluable. I look forward to engaging with this family of environmental lawyers across the globe and collaborating on climate justice cases.