Leading sustainability experts have called for clean energy transition policies that reflect local realities in developing countries, highlighting the need for international solidarity and cooperation to ensure that the energy transition does not exacerbate energy poverty.

This recommendation was made at the 2024 International Conference on Environmental Law and Governance for Sustainable Development convened by the Green Institute, in collaboration with Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES Institute) at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and the International Law Association, Nigerian Branch.

Featuring leading scholars from New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom and Nigeria, the conference focused on the formal public presentation of the book titled Net Zero and Natural Resources Law, published by Oxford University Press.  The 400-page book highlights the latest developments in natural resources law and policy in light of ongoing worldwide efforts to achieve the clean energy transition.

The conference opened with a compelling address by the lead editor of the book, Professor Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), who is also the Chair of the Academic Advisory Group of the International Bar Association’s energy section (SEERIL).  The international energy law expert highlighted that the ongoing drive for clean energy transition raises a wide range of legal, contractual and foreign diplomacy questions that must be carefully analysed and balanced, to ensure that the transition leaves no one behind. “This book fills a significant gap in the clean energy transition discourse. With case studies from Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Australasia, and North and South America, it provides a balanced assessment of how legal and regulatory systems are responding, and can better respond, to the fundamental challenges and risks in the clean energy transition. It offers practical solutions that will be very useful for countries like Nigeria as we seek to balance global imperatives with local realities.” Prof. Olawuyi stated.

The ensuing panel discussions, moderated by Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu and Professor Walters Nsoh, explored integrated policy approaches for achieving a just, inclusive and orderly transition. Expert contributors and speakers including Professor Barry Barton, Professor Hanri Mostert, Professor Nadia B. Ahmad, Prof. José Juan González, Dr. Milton Fernando Montoya, Dr. Hugo Meyer van den Berg, Mehrnoosh Aryanpour, and Elena Athwal, offered insights on the evolving principles of natural resource law in a net zero era, critical mineral strategies for clean energy technologies, including the opportunities for promoting sustainable hydrogen investments in Africa. An interactive discussion session also provided actionable insights for practitioners and stakeholders.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu reflected on the critical themes of the conference, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. She remarked, “The future of natural resources governance depends on our ability to innovate, collaborate, and remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and equity. This conference has provided a pivotal and international platform for dialogue, showcasing the intersection of law, policy, and innovation in achieving global sustainability goals.” She concluded.

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