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Thermodynamic description of worldwide distribution of energy and carbon emission

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  • Klaus M. Frahm
  • Dima L. Shepelyansky

Abstract

Based on public data, we analyze the distributions of energy and carbon emission over world countries on a scale of the last 40-50 years using their presentation via Lorenz and Pareto curves. These curves in rescaled format remain remarkably stable on this time period being characterized by high values of the Gini coefficient indicating a strong inequality of energy distribution. To explain these distributions, we introduce the ENergy Thermalization Hypothesis (ENTH) according to which these distributions result from the Rayleigh-Jeans (RJ) thermalization and condensation of agents representing different countries. We show that this hypothesis provides an excellent description of Lorenz and Pareto curves obtained from data on the above time period. It also gives natural grounds for inequality relating it to the RJ condensation at low energy states. We additionally trace parallels with the wealth inequality in the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Klaus M. Frahm & Dima L. Shepelyansky, 2026. "Thermodynamic description of worldwide distribution of energy and carbon emission," Papers 2607.07315, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2607.07315
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    References listed on IDEAS

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