Affordable and Clean Energy: CO ₂ Emissions, Resilience and Inequality

ABSTRACT

Sustainable development means building the resilience of both people and the planet. It includes implementing strategies which reduce emissions while also enabling more vulnerable households to transition to clean and affordable energy. This paper examines household CO ₂ emissions in Ireland to highlight those who emit most and least in key sectors (residential energy, transport and food). The data reveal variations in emissions by key socio‐demographic factors such as income and education. The paper highlights inequalities and variations in consumption patterns, including under‐consumption and other harmful resilience strategies adopted by households living in or at risk of poverty. Policies to protect and transform the energy situation of more vulnerable households are critical for a Just Transition. Such policies would enhance the resilience of these families while highlighting the importance of structural inequalities in emissions and the consumption of wealthy households.