Climate Commitments and Global Inequalities in the Energy and Climate Policy Transition 2020-2024

Abstract

The 2020-2024 period marks a critical phase in global energy transition efforts post-COVID-19, with countries committed to accelerating decarbonization to meet Paris Agreement targets. However, amid increasingly ambitious climate commitments, global disparities in access, capacity, and energy transition outcomes are becoming increasingly apparent. Developed countries are able to allocate significant resources to renewable energy development and climate adaptation, while developing countries face structural challenges such as funding shortages, dependence on fossil fuels, and technological limitations. This article analyzes how these disparities shape the dynamics of the energy transition through an examination of climate policies, national commitments, and international climate finance flows. The results show that without fair redistribution mechanisms and strengthening the principles of energy and climate justice, the energy transition risks deepening global socioeconomic disparities. This article recommends inclusive, justice-based strategies and improvements to global climate governance to ensure that the decarbonization agenda proceeds fairly and equitably.