Renewable energy and energy justice in the Middle East: international human rights, environmental and climate change law and policy perspectives

The concept of energy justice is now a divisive issue throughout the world. Clean energy is becoming increasingly unavailable to a large portion of the population. Against this backdrop, this article explores the legal aspects of renewable energy and energy justice in three major, traditionally energy-rich countries representing the Middle East: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Iran, and Iraq. It critically evaluates these countries’ legal challenges of renewable energy and energy justice. The research found that renewable energy is becoming more necessary for sustainable development and resilience to climate change. Natural resource abundance, increasing energy use, and a commitment to global climate change goals all pose unique challenges and opportunities for countries in the Middle East region. From international human rights, environmental, and climate change law perspectives, this article analyses the current regulatory processes and legislative frameworks aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources and ensuring energy justice. Renewable energy in the Middle East has been influenced by regional initiatives, international treaties, and national legislation, all of which are examined in detail.