Abstract:
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This paper analyses the international inequalities in CO2 emissions intensity for the period
1971–2009 and assesses explanatory factors. Multiplicative, group and additive
methodologies of inequality decomposition are employed. The first allows us to clarify the
separated role of the carbonisation index and the energy intensity in the pattern observed for
inequalities in CO2 intensities; the second allows us to understand the role of regional groups;
and the third allows us to investigate the role of different fossil energy sources (coal, oil and
gas). The results show that, first, the reduction in global emissions intensity has coincided
with a significant reduction in international inequality. Second, the bulk of this inequality and
its reduction are attributed to differences between the groups of countries considered. Third,
coal is the main energy source explaining these inequalities, although the growth in the
relative contribution of gas is also remarkable. Fourth, the bulk of inequalities between
countries and its decline are explained by differences in energy intensities, although there are
significant differences in the patterns demonstrated by different groups of countries.
JEL codes: D39; Q43; Q56.
Key words: CO2 international distribution, inequality decomposition, CO2 emissions
intensity |