Energy transition law addressing fossil fuel phase-out, just transition principles, and workforce protection mechanisms globally
Lead Counsel, Energy Regulation and Policy, Ministry of Justice, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2022, 16(03), 1467-1479
Publication history:
Received on 06 November 2022; revised on 22 December 2022; accepted on 28 December 2022
Abstract:
The global energy transition is reshaping legal systems as states accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels to meet climate commitments, manage economic disruption, and protect affected workers and communities. Energy transition law has emerged as a critical interdisciplinary field addressing the regulatory, social, and labour dimensions of decarbonisation. This article examines how legal frameworks worldwide are responding to three interlinked challenges: the orderly phase-out of fossil fuel production and consumption, the integration of just transition principles, and the protection of workers and communities dependent on carbon-intensive industries. It analyses emerging statutory, regulatory, and policy instruments that govern coal, oil, and gas exit strategies, including licensing reforms, subsidy withdrawal, and climate-aligned investment controls. The paper further explores how just transition concepts such as fairness, participation, and equity are being translated into binding legal obligations through labour law, social protection schemes, and regional development policies. Particular attention is given to workforce protection mechanisms, including retraining programmes, income support, collective bargaining safeguards, and community regeneration funds. By comparing approaches across jurisdictions, the article identifies best practices, governance gaps, and enforcement challenges in aligning climate objectives with social justice. It concludes that robust energy transition law is essential to ensure that decarbonisation efforts are legally certain, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable, while maintaining public trust and political legitimacy throughout the transition.
Keywords:
Energy transition law; Fossil fuel phase-out; Just transition; Workforce protection; Climate governance; Labour and social protection
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Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0