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Abstract Energy is an important driving force of modern civilization. The solution to global energy and climate crisis requires global action and cooperation. The current dilemma of global energy governance is mainly manifested in the fact that individual energy poverty is far from eliminated, the energy security dilemma between countries still exists, and the global climate crisis is increasingly severe. Studies have concluded that the global energy governance system is in urgent need of change, but there are still divergent opinions on how to restructure it. All parties believe that China's active participation is indispensable for global energy governance, but there is no consensus on what role China should play during the process. Thus, the core question discussed in this paper is how the global energy governance system should be restructured to tackle the energy and environmental challenges, and what strategic choices should China make during this process?
To this end, this paper introduces the pressure-state-response (PSR) model as a theoretical analysis framework for global energy governance. It might reflect the contradiction between humankind's growing energy demand and the unbalanced and inadequate development of energy in various countries from the perspective of pressure dimension. As a result, there are increasing deficits in development, security and governance related to energy and environmental issues for the international community to fulfill the obligation. In terms of responses, neither individuals, countries or even the international community could respond effectively.
In order to solve the energy governance dilemma, this paper proposes a global energy governance initiative based on the hierarchy of needs theory. It proposes that enhancing national energy supply is the fundamental goal of global energy governance, providing consumers with affordable energy service is a developmental goal, and shaping a sustainable environment for the world is the long-term goal. Only by taking into account individual, national and global-level goals can the global energy governance agenda be prevented from becoming an extension of power politics among major powers, and the risks posed by the energy and climate crises will be reduced.
Facing global challenges such as energy supply security, energy poverty and climate change, China needs to uphold the concepts of a community with a shared future for mankind and green development, while promoting energy transformation, actively participating in climate governance, and working with other countries to build a clean and beautiful world. As an active participant in global energy governance, China has been promoting the interconnection of energy infrastructure across countries, the multilateral energy cooperation mechanisms, and the inclusive concepts of energy security. These efforts contribute to China’s energy security and its ambition of being a responsible global power. Besides, China's active participation would ensure the smooth flow of the global energy supply chain, maintain the stability of the international energy market and prices, and achieve the goal of Sustainable Energy for All advocated by the United Nations.
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Published: 19 January 2024
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