The protection of civic space and the ability of Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) to do their important work is central to Amnesty International’s action to promote climate justice. A movement for climate justice must be centred on the demands, experience and knowledge of the individuals, groups and communities most harmed by climate change and by the activities of extractive industries, including the fossil fuel industry. These individuals, groups and communities must play a meaningful role in climate decision-making at all levels. This explainer aims to provide an overview of the importance of the protection of civic spaces and the work of EHRDs to achieve climate justice.