Inequality Along the European Green Transition

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Ascari, Guido; Colciago, Andrea; Haber, Timo; Wohrmuller, Stefan
• 署名单位: University of Pavia; European Central Bank; De Nederlandsche Bank NV; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK; Deutsche Bundesbank; University of Amsterdam; University of Milano-Bicocca
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1093/ej/ueaf130
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: Idiosyncratic risk; structural-change; income; POLICY

摘要

The EU aims for 42.5% green energy consumption by 2030. What are the effects of the European green transition on inequality? We answer this question using a heterogeneous-agent model with non-homothetic preferences for energy and non-energy goods, calibrated to European data. We study the impact of an increase in carbon taxes designed to meet the EU target under different revenue-recycling strategies. Redistributing tax revenues via uniform transfers reduces consumption inequality, shifts the welfare burden to high-income households, but leads to significant output losses. Subsidising green energy producers boosts energy production, reduces output losses and requires a smaller carbon tax to meet the EU target. However, it increases consumption and income inequality, with the highest welfare costs borne by low-income and asset-poor households. Our findings highlight key trade-offs between equity and efficiency in green transition policies.