THE HUMAN RIGHT TO ACCESS CLEAN ENERGY1

作     者：Stephen Tully 

作者机构：The London School of Economics and Political Science. 

出 版 物：《Journal of Green Building》 (绿色建筑学报（英文）)

年 卷 期：2008年第3卷第2期

页      面：140-148页

学科分类：08[工学] 0812[工学-计算机科学与技术（可授工学、理学学位）] 

主　　题：energy access electricity clean energy sources human rights sustainability. 

摘      要：This paper proposes the existence of a human right to access clean energy in view of trends favoring greater resortto renewable energy sources within several parallel policy contexts. The existing international framework for theprotection and promotion of human rights may be applied to support an entitlement to access energy for individualbenefi t. However, the application of human rights norms to an appropriate energy source must also be compatiblewith the contemporary sustainable development agenda. This includes balancing economic development, sustainablyusing natural resources, environmental protection and poverty alleviation. A human rights approach must also besuffi ciently receptive to similarities and differences in the energy strategies of developed and developing States. It isargued that a human right to access clean energy more accurately refl ects intergovernmental concerns for both humandevelopment and environmental sustainability. While such a right can be employed to satisfy basic human needs, enhanceliving standards, maintain good human health and alleviate poverty, it can also contribute to the effi cient useof existing natural resources, the prevention of climate change and environmental protection.