Earthlife Africa (ELA) is an environmental organization founded in 1988 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was an important actor in the development of the South African environmental movement, notable especially for its anti-apartheid position that helped to define the concept of environmental justice. Today, the organization continues its work on fair access to electricity; the dangers of nuclear energy, toxics, and acid mine drainage; and issues surrounding climate change. It has expanded to include branches in Cape Town, eThekwini (formerly Durban), Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), and Windhoek, Namibia. Each of its branches is an autonomous member-driven volunteer organization that conducts research and publicity campaigns.

Many of the environmental organizations that existed before Earthlife Africa were focused on wildlife protection and worked within the framework of apartheid. Modeled ...