Are natural disasters stumbling blocks to carbon inequality mitigation? A global perspective

Abstract

The detrimental impact of natural disasters on inequality is evident, yet their influence on the inequality of carbon emissions remains underexplored. Addressing this gap is crucial, as understanding the relationship between natural disasters and carbon inequality can inform more equitable climate policies. To this end, we performed an econometric investigation on the impact of natural disasters on carbon inequality, based on a global dataset covering 140 countries during 2000–2020. The system generalized method of moments model is utilized, and we also delve into the heterogeneous analysis, as well as the mediating and the moderating effects. Our numerical analysis yields four key findings. First, natural disasters are stumbling blocks to carbon inequality eradication, which means that natural disasters are not conducive to mitigating carbon inequality, but rather amplify it. Second, this adverse effect is more pronounced in low-income countries. Third, government ineffectiveness not only heightens carbon inequality but also intensifies the negative impact of natural disasters, demonstrating a synergic effect. Fourth, energy infrastructure and renewable energy development are two channels that link natural disasters with carbon inequality. These findings underscore the necessity of targeted policy interventions to mitigate carbon inequality and reduce the adverse consequences of natural disasters.