Beyond the Carbon Economy

by Redgwell, Catherine; Zillman, Don; Omorogbe, Yinka; Barrera-Hernández, Lila K.

• ISBN13: 9780199532698
• ISBN10: 0199532699
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-05-28
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The present energy economy, with its heavy dependence on fossil fuels is not sustainable over the medium to long term for many interconnected reasons. Climate change is now recognized as posing a serious threat. Energy and resource decisions involving the carbon fuels therefore play a largerole in this threat. Fossil fuel reserves may also be running short, and many of the major reserves are in politically unstable parts of the world. Yet citizens in nations with rapidly developing economies aspire to the benefits of the modern energy economy. China and India alone have 2.4 billion potential customers for cars, industries, and electrical services. Even so, more than half of the world's citizens still lack access to energy.Decisions involving fossil fuels are therefore a significant part of the development equation. This volume explains how the law can impede or advance the shift to a world energy picture significantly different from that which exists today. This book first examines the factors that create the problems of the present carbon economy, including environmental concerns and development goals. It then provides international and regional legal perspectives, examining public international law, regional legal structures, the responses ofinternational legal bodies, and the role of major international nongovernmental actors. The book then moves on to explore sectoral perspectives including the variety of renewable energy sources, new carbon fuels, nuclear power, demand controls, and energy efficiency. Finally the authors examine howparticular States are, could, or should, be adapting legally to the challenges of moving beyond the carbon economy.

Author Biography

Catherine Redgwell is Professor of International Law and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Laws at University College London. Don Zillman is Godfrey Professor of Law at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Professor Yinka Omorogbe is Head of the Department of Public and International Law at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Lila K. Barrera-Hernandez is Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, Canada.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Scope and Overview

Technology and Climate Change

The Impact on the Environment

The Impact on Developmental Goals

The Adjustment of the Competitive EconomyInternational and Regional Perspectives

The Role of International Law

South America: When the Gas is Gone, Will the Water Be Enough

African Responses and Initiatives

The Development of Renewable Energy Through Public International LawSectoral Perspectives and Technology-Based Approaches

National Laws Advancing Renewable Energies

Heavy Duty Transition Fuels: Oil Sands and Heavy Oils

Energy Efficiency and the Law

Biofuels: EU Law and Policy

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Electricity Generation: Is the Answer Blowing in the Wind?

Market Instruments and other Regulatory Tools in the Intersection between Energy Law and Environmental Law

Nuclear Power's Role in Moving Beyond the Carbon Economy

The Capture, Storage and Use of Carbon Dioxide EmissionsNational Perspectives

China's Efforts for a Low Carbon Future

The Legal Situation of Biomass in Brazil

Law, Innovation and Change: Moving Beyond the Carbon Economy in Australia

The Future of an Economy Based on Oil Exploitation: The Mexican Case

In Search of the Best Energy Mix: The Case of Japan

India's Road to Clean Development

Energy Resources Development Policy in Russia

Moving Beyond Carbon Energy in a Petroleum Exporting Nation

Conclusion

The Contribution of the Law to a New Energy Future

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