Analysis of the international distribution of per capita CO 2 emissions using the polarization concept
Duro, Juan Antonio (Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Departament d'Economia)
Padilla, Emilio (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Economia Aplicada)

Date:	2008
Abstract:	The concept of polarization is linked to the extent that a given distribution leads to the formation of homogeneous groups with opposing interests. This concept, which is basically different from the traditional one of inequality, is related to the level of inherent potential conflict in a distribution. The polarization approach has been widely applied in the analysis of income distribution. The extension of this approach to the analysis of international distribution of CO2 emissions is quite useful as it gives a potent informative instrument for characterizing the state and evolution of the international distribution of emissions and its possible political consequences in terms of tensions and the probability of achieving agreements. In this paper we analyze the international distribution of per capita CO2 emissions between 1971 and 2001 through the adaptation of the polarization concept and measures. We find that the most interesting grouped description deriving from the analysis is a two groups' one, whichbroadly coincide with Annex B and non-Annex B countries of the Kyoto Protocol, which shows the power of polarization analysis for explaining the generation of groups in the real world. The analysis also shows a significant reduction in international polarization in per capita CO2 emissions between 1971 and 1995, but not much change since 1995, which might indicate that polarized distribution of emission is still one of the important factors leading to difficulties in achieving agreements for reducing global emissions.
Grants:	Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca 2005-SGR-177
Note:	Altres ajuts: SEJ2005-06357
Note:	Altres ajuts: SEJ2006-4444
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, i la comunicació pública de l'obra, sempre que no sigui amb finalitats comercials, i sempre que es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original. No es permet la creació d'obres derivades.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Climate change negotiations ; International CO distribution 2 ; Polarization ; SDG 13 - Climate Action
Published in:	Energy policy, Vol. 36 (2008) , p. 456-466, ISSN 0301-4215

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2007.10.002

Postprint 44 p, 1.1 MB

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