Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine the spatial distribution of non-\(\hbox {CO}_2\) generating energy sources in the world for the period 1990–2009, paying special attention to the evolution of cross-country disparities. To this end, after carrying out a classical convergence analysis, a more thorough investigation of the entire distribution is presented by examining its external shape, the intra-distribution dynamics and the long-run equilibrium distribution. This analysis reveals the existence of a weak, rather insignificant, convergence process and that large cross-country differences are likely to persist in the long-run. Next, as polarization indicators are a proper way of appraising potential conflict in international environmental negotiations, we test whether, or not, the distribution dynamics concurs with the presence of polarization. Our results indicate that two poles can be clearly differentiated, one with high and other with low non-\(\hbox {CO}_2\) generating energy shares. In view of these findings, and to ensure a fair transition to a sustainable energy system, the paper calls for the development of an ambitious clean energy agenda, especially in countries with low non-\(\hbox {CO}_2\) generating energy shares.
Highlights
Public concern on global warming has notably increased during the last decades, to the point that this issue has become one of the most important challenges the world faces nowadays (e.g. VijayaVenkataRaman et al, 2012)
The promotion of non-CO2 generating energy sources constitutes the best strategy to cope with global warming, one of the most important challenges mankind faces nowadays but, most probably, in the future
16 In the last year of our sample, for example, the group characterized by low clean energy share reached only 42% of the world average, while the high clean energy share group reached 234% of the world average
Summary
Public concern on global warming has notably increased during the last decades, to the point that this issue has become one of the most important challenges the world faces nowadays (e.g. VijayaVenkataRaman et al, 2012). Apart from the classical analysis of convergence, cross-country disparities in clean energy shares are examined by means of the so-called distribution dynamics approach.
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