Head of environmental law Garyn Rapson a step ahead of ESG developments in law

Head of environmental law and ESG Garyn Rapson, a partner at Webber Wentzel, recently moved to Band 1 in the Chambers and Partners global rankings of environmental lawyers.

ESG Global recently caught up with Garyn, to ask him a few clever questions about personal achievements, the future of environmental lawyers and ways to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

What does moving to Band 1 in the global rankings mean to you personally?
It is an incredible milestone in my professional career. Personally, it signifies the culmination of hard work, dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence and exceptional client service. It’s not just about recognition — it’s about validation of the commitment to growth, innovation and impact. Achieving this status fuels my motivation to push even further, to set new benchmarks and to inspire others in our team to do the same. It’s a moment of pride, but also a reminder that success comes with responsibility — to maintain high standards, to continuously evolve and innovate and to continue to grow and nurture our environmental team.

Although I am personally incredibly happy with my Band 1 ranking, particularly by a prestigious legal directory as Chambers which evaluates practitioners based on rigorous independent research, client feedback and peer reviews – I am overjoyed by our team’s continued ranking in Band 1. We have been ranked in this band for 11 years now. This long-standing recognition highlights the team’s expertise and leadership in environmental law within South Africa.

Such recognition in a field as dynamic as environmental law suggests you’re not just reacting to changes, but anticipating them. Please share an example where you used your foresight to benefit clients and elevate your practice?
As a team, we have so many examples – we are constantly on the look-out for changes in the market and always hope to be on the forefront of movements in the market – we don’t always get it right, but we are always hustling to anticipate the next biggest areas of environmental and ESG developments.

A great example of this was when we anticipated changes in environmental law, which involved advising clients in the consumer goods industry on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations before they were fully implemented. Recognising early signals that governments were moving toward strict EPR policies — shifting waste management obligations onto producers — we assisted many clients in developing comprehensive compliance strategies ahead of the legislative changes and continue to assist clients with EPR compliance. We have spring-boarded our South African experience to assist clients operating throughout the continent, as local EPR laws are increasingly being formalised throughout Africa.

Other examples include sustainable mine closure strategies, captive power, and water solutions, circular economy initiatives and many ESG related solutions.

Environmental law often involves navigating the tension between economic development and ecological preservation. What are your views on how this gap can be bridged?
Navigating the balance between economic development and ecological preservation is one of the fundamental challenges of environmental law. While these interests may sometimes seem at odds, they can be successfully bridged through proactive regulatory frameworks, market-driven incentives, and sustainable innovation.

One effective approach is the adoption of environmental laws that encourage responsible business practices while fostering economic growth. Policies such as carbon credits, Business and Human Rights, biodiversity economy initiatives, and sustainability-linked financing create financial incentives for companies to integrate environmental stewardship into their operations. By making ecological considerations a core element of business strategy, firms not only comply with regulations but also drive long-term profitability through efficiency and stakeholder trust.

Additionally, public-private collaborations and investment in green technology can create opportunities where environmental preservation supports economic development rather than restricts it. Renewable energy, circular economy initiatives, and nature-based solutions provide pathways for industries to reduce their environmental footprint while unlocking new markets and job creation.

Ultimately, environmental law plays a vital role in shaping policies that reconcile these interests, ensuring that development progresses in harmony with ecological sustainability rather than at its expense.

With the rise of ESG considerations and increasing corporate accountability, the role of an environmental lawyer seems to be expanding significantly. How do you see the profession evolving in the next decade, and what skills or knowledge are becoming indispensable for aspiring environmental lawyers?

The role of an environmental lawyer is evolving rapidly as ESG considerations and corporate accountability gain prominence. Over the next decade, the profession will become more interdisciplinary, requiring lawyers to not only navigate traditional environmental regulations but also integrate expertise in finance, corporate governance, and sustainability strategy.

One key area of growth is ESG compliance and reporting. As regulatory frameworks tighten and investors demand greater transparency, environmental lawyers will play a critical role in guiding corporations through complex disclosure requirements. Understanding sustainability metrics, climate risk assessment, and global reporting standards will be indispensable.

Additionally, the intersection of environmental law and business strategy will deepen. Lawyers will need a proactive, forward-looking approach — helping clients implement circular economy models, decarbonisation strategies, and biodiversity protection measures rather than just reacting to enforcement actions.

Another crucial skill will be the ability to navigate cross-border regulations. Climate policies and ESG laws are emerging at different paces worldwide, meaning environmental lawyers will need to stay ahead of international legal trends and adapt strategies to varying jurisdictions.

Aspiring environmental lawyers should focus on developing strong analytical skills, business acumen, and knowledge of emerging technologies. Understanding carbon markets, sustainable finance, and environmental impact assessments will be just as important as traditional regulatory expertise. Ultimately, those who combine legal insight with technical skill and strategic foresight will be best positioned to lead in this evolving landscape.

Environmental law is increasingly intertwined with international agreements and global challenges. What role do you believe environmental lawyers play in driving meaningful change on a global scale?
Environmental lawyers play a pivotal role in shaping and enforcing international agreements that address global environmental challenges. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution transcend national borders, legal experts must bridge the gap between local regulations and international commitments, ensuring compliance and meaningful action.

Environmental lawyers drive accountability. Through litigation, advocacy, and advisory work, they ensure that corporations and governments uphold commitments related to climate action, conservation, and responsible resource management. Strategic legal interventions can lead to landmark decisions that set precedents, compelling industries to adopt sustainable practices.

Another growing responsibility is guiding businesses in navigating global ESG and business and human rights regulations. As financial markets increasingly factor environmental impact into investment decisions, environmental lawyers play a crucial role in advising companies on compliance, sustainable financing, and ethical governance.

Ultimately, environmental lawyers are not just legal interpreters — they are agents of change. By leveraging law as a tool for sustainability, they help harmonise international efforts, hold key players accountable, and facilitate transformative solutions that protect both the planet and economic interests.