The Role of International Trade Law in the Energy Transition

The key to tackling climate change and other environmental concerns primarily lies in the transition away from fossil fuels. Making this transition happen in a just and timely manner requires rapid and radical changes not only to energy sources and technologies but also to the broader socioeconomic and legal assemblages that are built around energy production and consumption. International trade law is one of the critical legal assemblages that can help accelerate or hinder the energy transition. This article focuses on the multilateral trading system and examines the role of international trade law in the energy transition. It argues that existing international trade rules are more likely to impede than accelerate the energy transition and that urgent reform is necessary to ensure that international trade law plays a constructive role in the transition towards a sustainable energy future.