Climate Change and Energy Transition Policies

Abstract

Abstract This chapter focuses on policies designed to mitigate and adapt to climate change and policies that encourage transition away from fossil fuels and toward greater energy efficiency and low- or non-emitting energy sources. It describes categories into which countries’ legal and policy approaches to climate change and energy transition can be divided and illustrates them with select examples from various jurisdictions. The chapter also examines regulations and policies to address climate change and energy transition, the roles of key international agreements, and factors important to the effectiveness and transferability of policies. The discussion covers the scope and structure of law governing climate change and energy transition; policies at the national, sub-national, and local levels; executive and legislative roles; litigation over climate change policies; and substantive provisions relevant to energy efficiency and electrification, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.