Bogota, Colombia – The Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law (SEERIL) wrapped up its biennial conference, held April 17-19, 2024, at the Universidad Externado de Colombia. With the theme “A transformative era of action for the law and lawyers – implementing the energy transition and global sustainability,” the conference addressed pressing issues surrounding climate change and the shift towards renewable energy sources.
AAG Book Launch Takes Center Stage
A highlight of the conference was the launch of the highly anticipated book, “Net Zero and Natural Resources Law: Sovereignty, Security and Solidarity in the Clean Energy Transition,” co-authored by Professors Damilola Olawuyi and Adenike Akinsemolu, and published by Oxford University Press. The session, led by the authors themselves, showcased this cornerstone project by SEERIL’s Academic Advisory Group. The book explores the delicate balance between advancing clean energy technologies and upholding legal and social frameworks for responsible natural resource management.
Expert Insights Drive the Conversation
A series of discussions, led by esteemed academics from diverse backgrounds, delved into the book’s key findings and their broader implications. Professor Íñigo del Guayo opened the session, setting the stage for the following presentations. Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, then introduced the book’s central themes, emphasizing the urgency for robust legal frameworks that support the global shift to net zero emissions while minimizing socio-economic disruptions.
The conversation expanded to encompass Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. Elena Athwal of Harvard Law School highlighted the importance of integrating these factors into energy transition plans to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders. Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu from the University of Birmingham addressed the unique challenges and risks faced by women in the context of the net zero transition, advocating for policies that promote gender justice.
The discussion further explored the potential of regional free trade agreements, with Jose Juan Gonzalez arguing that such agreements can play a critical role in fostering cooperation and solidarity for a sustainable energy future. Finally, Dr. Milton Fernando Montoya Pardo offered valuable insights into how natural resources law might evolve to better support net zero goals.
Interactive Session Deepens Understanding
A lively 25-minute Q&A session allowed attendees to engage directly with the speakers, further exploring the intricate issues raised during the presentations.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
This year’s SEERIL conference served not only to highlight the crucial intersection of law, technology, and sustainability, but also to foster vital dialogue for crafting effective legal solutions in the clean energy era. As the world strives towards net zero emissions, the insights gleaned from this conference and the contributions of Olawuyi and Akinsemolu’s book will play a significant role in shaping the legal frameworks necessary for a just and equitable sustainable future.