ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the issues associated with energy access – specifically how, where and what type of energy is produced and distributed – highlighting the need to advance energy justice as part of the climate justice movement. Within international legal and policy frameworks, there is a strong foundation for integrating human rights in efforts to combat climate change and to support sustainable development. Many policies, initiatives and actions are needed to secure energy justice and advance climate justice. Framing energy access as a right in the context of promoting energy justice provides individuals and communities a more sustainable. Acknowledging a fundamental right to energy access would help to ensure that everyone has access to clean, reliable, affordable energy as a baseline. Furthermore, it would impose additional obligations on States and companies, and empower civil society and community groups fighting for rights to include energy access as an important tool in their efforts to achieve climate justice.
