Abstract:
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This paper uses the possibilities provided by the regression-based inequality
decomposition (Fields, 2003) to explore the contribution of different explanatory
factors to international inequality in CO2 emissions per capita. In contrast to
previous emissions inequality decompositions, which were based on identity
relationships (Duro and Padilla, 2006), this methodology does not impose any a
priori specific relationship. Thus, it allows an assessment of the contribution to
inequality of different relevant variables. In short, the paper appraises the
relative contributions of affluence, sectoral composition, demographic factors
and climate. The analysis is applied to selected years of the period 1993–2007.
The results show the important (though decreasing) share of the contribution of
demographic factors, as well as a significant contribution of affluence and
sectoral composition.
JEL classification: C19; D39; Q43.
Keywords: CO2 emissions, international emissions inequality, regression-based
decomposition. |