City Research Online

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of inequality in the distribution of CO2 emissions across US regions. We implement a factorial decomposition of CO2 per capita based on extended Kaya factors, that is, carbon intensity of fossil fuel consumption, energy mix, energy intensity of GDP, economic growth in terms of labor productivity and employment rate. Results reveal that US states display marked differences in most factors. We identify energy intensity as the main source of emissions inequality. Based on the within and between group inequality components we also explore the effect of geographical, geological, climatic and human development partitions of US states’ groups. Findings indicate that the within-group inequality had been the main contributor to the whole inequality. Finally, some economic policy implications are also discussed; explaining the unequal distribution of emissions is vital to establish differentiated targets and work towards successful mitigation proposals.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article to appear first in Economics of Energy & Environmental Policy http://www.iaee.org/en/publications/. Reproduced by permission of the International Association for Energy.
Publisher Keywords:	CO2 emissions, Theil Index, inequality decomposition, Kaya factors
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HG Finance H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Departments:	Bayes Business School > Finance
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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