Inequalities in Regional Level Domestic CO2 Emissions and Energy Use: A Case Study of Iran

Abstract

An increasing amount of CO2 emissions from the household sector of Iran led us to analyze the inequality and understand the possible driving force behind the CO2 emissions. The study of inequality provides information to policy-makers to point policies in the right direction. By considering the differences in the socio-economic factors of provinces, the study aims to analyze the inequality in CO2 emissions and different kinds of energy consumption, including oil, gas and electricity, for the household sector of Iran’s provinces between 2000 and 2017. For this aim, the Theil index and Kaya factor, as a simple and common method, were considered to evaluate the inequality in both CO2 emissions and energy consumption, and determine the driving factor behind CO2 emissions. According to the results, inequality in oil and natural gas consumption were increasing, electricity was almost constant; however, CO2 emissions experienced a decreasing trend for the study period. The Theil index changed from 0.4 to 0.65 for oil, from 0.18 to 0.22 for natural gas, from 0.17 to 0.15 for electricity, and from 0.2 to 0.14 for CO2 emissions between 2001 and 2017. In addition, the results of the inequality study indicated that most of the inequalities belong to within-group inequalities in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The results of the Kaya factor indicate that the second factor, energy efficiency, with a 0.21 value was the main driving factor of inequalities in CO2 emissions; however, the first factor, energy consumption, can be a potential factor for inequality in the following years, as it increased from 0.00 to 0.11 between 2001 and 2017. It seems that by removing the energy subsidy policy in 2010 and 2013, low-standard and energy-wasting old vehicles were the most effective factors of energy inefficiency in the household sector, which need more accurate policy-making.

Driving factors of energy related CO2 emissions at a regional level in the residential sector of Iran

“…The study employs structural time series modeling and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) analysis, revealing that factors like GDP, electricity generation, and population have substantial effects on carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. Importantly, the findings emphasize the need for improving energy efficiency and implementing stringent environmental regulations to ensure sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia 17 . the researchers utilized the Theil index and Kaya factor to assess the disparity between CO 2 emissions and energy consumption and identify the leading causes of CO 2 emissions.…”

“…As a result, Iranian energy prices are generally lower than global standards 16 . Accordingly, the increasing amount of CO 2 emissions along with growth in population and GDP will increase the concentration of pollutant emissions in the household sector of Iran’s provinces 17 . With regards to CO 2 emissions, Iran is ranked among the top ten.…”

“…Regional studies appear to be important in order to identify the elements that contribute to CO 2 emissions in light of the various characteristics of the provinces in Iran, including their geographic situation, economy, social, climate, and natural and human resources 17 . In this regard, based on variables, first, employment rate and incomes are highest in industrial provinces, such as Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Markazi, West Azerbaijan and Bushehr, meanwhile, in provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Khozestan are lowest.…”

Energy Inequality Indicators: A Comprehensive Review for Exploring Ways to Reduce Inequality

“…However, interestingly, high income inequality appears to have a negative association with emissions, suggesting that reducing income disparities may contribute to better climate outcomes. The study of Ata et al (2022) emphasizes that the most important reasons for inequality are CO2 emissions, changes in the economy, and incomes [51]. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive approaches that address economic development, income inequality, and energy poverty while promoting sustainable practices.…”

Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction into Methanol Utilizing Sol-Gel-Prepared CeO2-Coupled Bi2O3 Nanocomposite Heterojunctions

“…Thus, reducing, capturing, or recycling greenhouse gases is a matter of life or death for humanity. Carbon dioxide gas (CO 2 ) is the primary source of global warming that is currently humped due to various human activities ranging from burning fossil fuels to the rapid development of several industries [7,8]. There are several approaches for reducing CO 2 emissions through the use of renewable energy sources or recycling the released CO 2 into value-added products [9][10][11][12][13].…”