The unequal distribution of household carbon footprints in Europe and its link to sustainability

Abstract

The distribution of household carbon footprints is largely unequal within and across countries. Here, we explore household-level consumption data to illustrate the distribution of carbon footprints and consumption within 26 European Union countries, regions and social groups. The analysis further sheds light on the relationships between carbon footprints and socially desirable outcomes such as income, equality, education, nutrition, sanitation, employment and adequate living conditions.

Keywords

• adaptation and mitigation
• ecology and biodiversity
• energy
• human behaviour
• policies
• politics and governance