Energy Development and Climate Change Concerns: Legal and Policy Appraisal from Cameroon

Abstract

This article sets out to ascertain the level of attention that climate change receives under the

Cameroonian energy legal and policy framework, more particularly how it supports the development

of low-greenhouse gas (GHG) energy or a climate-friendly energy system in Cameroon. The article

showcases the climate change implications of energy development in Cameroon and maps the policy

guidelines for the development of a low-GHG energy system under the Cameroonian climate change

and energy legal and policy instruments. Building on both primary and secondary data and employing

the doctrinal research method and the content analysis approach, this article argues that the

Cameroonian energy legal and policy framework does not adequately address climate change concerns.

The findings reveal that the Cameroonian energy legal and policy frameworks do not adequately support

the development of a climate-friendly energy system. Consequently, the potential of the energy sector

in contributing to the fight against climate change in terms of mitigation may not be fully tapped. Based

on the findings, what is proffered as an important recommendation is the strong need for Cameroon to

elaborate and implement holistic energy legal and policy frameworks that comprehensively take on

board climate change concerns. Such holistic energy legal and policy frameworks should set targets and

timelines for gradual transition from the development of high GHG emissions sources of energy to the

development of low or zero GHG emissions sources of energy.