Since 2004, the Summer Academy 'Energy and the Environment' has brought together practitioners and policy makers from countries worldwide to engage in an interdisci-plinary discussion on practical solutions to problems of energy law. The fifth annual Summer Academy focuses on 'The Paradigm Shift towards Energy Sustainability'. As is evi-dent through the sheer scope of the articles presented and reprinted in this volume, discussion at the 2008 Summer Academy was rich and varied in ideas and interpretations. One thing emerged especially clearly: policy priorities must be designed to encompass a multidisciplinary approach to energy sustainability. Not only must renewable energy solutions be promoted but incentives must also be increased for greater fossil fuel energy efficiency and energy conservation. Experiences from both developed and developing countries are provided to illustrate needed sustainable energy solutions at the local level to address the global climate crisis.