Decomposition of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions in Hungary

Abstract

Elevated levels of global greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily produced through fossil fuel combustion, present environmental risks such as prolonged droughts, global warming, and catastrophic floods. Despite raising awareness and international efforts to combat climate change, fossil fuel and GHGs demand persists. At this juncture, this study investigates Hungary's transportation sector, a notable CO2 emitter. Using the Kaya Identity and Log Mean Divisia Index method, this study decomposes the primary components of CO2 emissions in Hungary's transport sectors from 2001-2021. This analysis is done in two decomposition levels, annual and periodic decomposition analysis for each of the five years starting from 2001. The analysis reveals that the economic activity effect ∆CGPE is the predominant driver of CO2 emissions, while the energy intensity effect ∆CEIE improvements have substantially mitigated these increases. Population changes affect ∆CPOPE, and the carbon emission intensity effect ∆CCEIE has had minimal impacts. The study provides insights and recommendations for policy and strategic interventions to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation practices in Hungary.