Seyed Ali Alenabi

As the global movement toward net-zero emissions accelerates, many developing countries face a dual challenge aligning with decarbonization targets while ensuring affordable and reliable energy access for underserved populations. This review explores the intersection of net-zero commitments and energy access in low and middle-income countries, assessing whether current climate policies risk reinforcing or alleviating existing energy inequalities. Drawing on recent case studies, international policy frameworks, and access to energy data, the paper analyzes how funding priorities, regulatory shifts, and carbon pricing mechanisms affect energy infrastructure development. Particular attention is given to the unintended consequences of climate finance flows bypassing energy poor regions and the tension between rapid decarbonization and just energy transitions. The review also highlights innovative strategies and policy tools that can balance emissions reduction goals with inclusive energy access, offering recommendations for harmonizing climate ambition with social equity. By synthesizing cross disciplinary findings, this work aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners of pathways to ensure that net-zero does not come at the cost of energy justice.