Low Carbon Energy Transition, Green Growth, and the Future of Environmental Law in Arab States

Abstract

This chapter examines the future of environmental law in Arab states, specifically in the light of the increasing transition to low carbon economy and renewable energy systems across the world. The world is at the early stages of a global energy transition that may result in radical transformations of energy industries and required environmental regulation in the Arab region. In response, several Arab states have established legislation, guidelines, and strategies aimed at promoting low carbon transition, renewable energy technologies, and the green economy. Despite these efforts however, Arab countries rank comparably low in green growth performance measurements. One key reason is the absence of corresponding law, governance, and information-gathering systems that can support the ambitious energy transition visions. This chapter discusses the need for a rapid reimagination of environmental law across the Arab region in order to advance the tenets of green growth and low carbon transition. It examines the scope, drivers, and contours of the low carbon energy transition in the Arab region, current legislative trends across the region, as well as lessons learned for the future development of environmental law in Arab states.