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Role of Law Driving Energy Transitions: A Critical View from China and Selected African Countries

DOI: 10.4236/blr.2025.161005, PP. 76-106

Keywords: Legal Frameworks, Sustainable Energy Transitions, China-Africa Cooperation

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Abstract:

This paper critically analyses the legal and policy frameworks governing the global transition towards sustainable energy systems. It explores how these frameworks, operating at international and national levels, influence energy production and consumption while embodying global climate obligations under the UNFCCC, notably the Paris Agreement. The analysis focuses on understanding how these frameworks facilitate or hinder sustainable energy transitions, with a specific focus on the diverse experiences of China and select African countries. The study employs a comparative analysis of international and national legal and policy frameworks. It examines foundational international instruments and investigates how these commitments are translated into national policies in different contexts. The analysis draws on case studies of China and selected African nations to illustrate the diverse approaches to sustainable energy governance influenced by economic, social, and environmental factors. It reveals significant variations in the effectiveness of existing legal and policy frameworks in promoting sustainable energy transitions. Key findings include the identification of challenges such as inconsistent policy implementation, regulatory delays, and insufficient safeguards for vulnerable populations. It also highlights the misalignment between national policies and international obligations, creating significant barriers to achieving equitable and just transitions. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a critical comparative analysis of legal and policy frameworks across diverse contexts, including China and selected African nations. It highlights the crucial role of law in addressing challenges associated with sustainable energy transitions, such as climate change, public health, and resource equity. By identifying key gaps and challenges, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the effectiveness of legal and policy frameworks in supporting equitable and just energy transitions. Furthermore, the emphasis on China-Africa cooperation provides a novel perspective on potential avenues for knowledge sharing and collaborative action in advancing sustainable energy goals from the global south.

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