CO₂ emissions inequality through the lens of developing countries

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Economics
• Climate Change Studies

Background:

• Growing concern over carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions inequality within and between nations.
• Need to understand the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations and emissions.
• Analysis of consumption-based CO2 emissions across different income groups in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze CO2 emissions inequality using disaggregated income group consumption data in eight developing countries.
• To examine the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on CO2 emissions inequality.
• To explore long-term CO2 emissions inequality trends and potential mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Application of an input-output model to analyze CO2 emissions inequality.
• Utilized the hypothetical extraction method to assess COVID-19's impact on emissions inequality.
• Employed shared socioeconomic pathway scenario simulations for long-term projections.

Main Results:

• The COVID-19 outbreak led to a decrease in CO2 emissions inequality and overall emissions.
• Simulations indicate that CO2 emissions inequality is likely to persist in the long term.
• Targeted poverty elimination measures were found to reduce CO2 emissions inequality.

Conclusions:

• Addressing demand-side consumption and supply-side energy efficiency (including renewables) can reduce CO2 emissions inequality.
• Integrated strategies for poverty elimination and climate change mitigation are essential.
• Policy interventions should focus on both equitable development and sustainable energy transitions.