Population effects of increase in world energy use and CO2 emissions: 1990–2019

Aalok Chaurasia

doi:10.3197/jps.2020.5.1.87

Abstract

This paper analyses population effects of increase in world energy use and CO2 emissions between 1990–2019 following a decomposition framework with interaction effects. The analysis has also been carried out for the 44 countries which accounted for most of the increase in world energy use and CO2 emissions during 1990–2019. Population growth was found to have a significant effect on both the increase in energy use and CO2 emissions at the global level, although the contribution of population growth to these increases has varied widely across countries. There is a need for integrating population factors in the sustainable development processes, particularly efforts directed towards environmental sustainability.

Highlights

The impact of human activity on the environment can be conceptualised in terms of the use of natural resources and resulting wastes generated
The present analysis highlights the substantial impact of population growth on the increase in energy use and CO2 emissions in the world during 1990-2019
The analysis shows that, at the global level, the positive environmental effects of the decrease in energy intensity of GDP. It is product known (GDP) and carbon intensity of energy use can offset only a part of the negative environmental effects of population growth and increase in per capita real GDP

Summary

Introduction

The impact of human activity on the environment can be conceptualised in terms of the use of natural resources and resulting wastes generated. This paper analyses population effects of increase in world energy use and CO2 emissions between 1990–2019 following a decomposition framework with interaction effects. The analysis has been carried out for the 44 countries which accounted for most of the increase in world energy use and CO2 emissions during 1990–2019.

Results

Conclusion