Energy justice and gaps in sustainable development: A convergence testing and clustering study

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the dynamics of carbon emissions inequality and its effect on energy justice, whether carbon footprints have increased or decreased across countries, sectors, and households over time. We use convergence analysis, which is a methodology that effectively reveals carbon footprint dynamics. Our database contained carbon footprint data from different sectors across 180 countries between 1980 and 2020. We account for the non-linearity of the carbon footprint convergence or divergence process over time and individual heterogeneity across countries and sectors (data pre-filtering, carbon footprint convergence testing, and club clustering). Our results demonstrate a significant disparity in carbon footprints across various sectors and countries, especially among the top 1 % of earners. The wealthiest individuals worldwide have not converged towards a common trajectory, indicating high levels of carbon footprint inequality. This investigation assumes that the carbon footprint convergence or divergence process is not linear over time, allowing for fluctuations in carbon emissions inequality. Future research may explore the factors contributing to this non-linearity and its implications for energy justice. Our findings highlight global cooperation's importance in promoting sustainable production practices and a fair distribution of energy-related responsibilities. Energy production and consumption burdens are not equitably distributed, posing a significant challenge to achieving energy justice. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of carbon emissions inequality and its impact on energy justice. It employs a unique methodology and a multidimensional database, providing new insights into the carbon footprint disparity across sectors and countries.