This paper explores the narrow trade-off between climate mitigation policy, growth and income inequality, by examining the empirical evidence on the equity-pollution dilemma faced by policymakers when addressing both climate change and inequality altogether. Initially, a review of the existing literature delineates the evolution of how the relation between climate mitigation policy, growth and inequality is analyzed in research, transitioning from the Environmental Kuznets Curve to the Equity-Pollution Dilemma. The paper then moves to its empirical section, analyzing carbon emission and inequality statistics for a sample of 29 countries that cover industrialized and developing economies. In its concluding remarks, the paper underscores the need for a balanced approach that comprises both climate change mitigation and economic equality in the equation, stating how wealthier nations must pioneer assertive climate initiatives.
ISSN: 2036-5438
