THE HUMAN RIGHT TO ENERGY IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT

This paper1 will explore the basic legal framework for understanding the right to energy, as it applies to the Brazilian context. It will first outline basic international frameworks that justify the legal consideration of energy as a human right and as an environmental development obligation. After that, this paper will detail how other countries understand this obligation through statute and case law. Then, this paper will posit basic questions that are critical to framing the dialogue about the right to energy. Within that framework, this paper will discuss the right to energy in the Brazilian context and the legal application of such a right. The conclusion of this paper will investigate domestic, regional, and international support structures that can assist Brazil in its development and implementation of the right to energy.