The building blocks of International Ecological Footprint inequality: A Regression-Based Decomposition

- A Regression-Based Decomposition of Ecological Footprint inequality is performed.
- We estimate contributions of anthropogenic drivers to international EF inequality.
- Economic growth increased both ecological impact and ecological inequality.
- Demographic variables play an important role in international EF differences.
- International economic redistribution should be considered as a primary environmental policy.

This paper carries out an empirical decomposition of International Inequality in the Ecological Footprint with a view to quantifying the extent of the contribution of explanatory variables such as countries' affluence, economic structure, demographic characteristics, climate and technology. Using data for the period 1993-2007, the Regression-Based Inequality Decomposition methodology we use allows us to extend the results obtained in standard environmental impact regressions (STIRPAT models), and to deal with an often neglected aspect of such models, that of equity within generations. The results obtained point towards the prioritization of policies which take into account both future and present generations. In this regard, economic redistribution should be considered as a primary environmental policy.