Urbanization Emissions Research Articles

Examining The Impact of Macroeconomics Factors on Carbon Emissions in Selected 7-ASEAN Members: A Panel Data Analysis

This study investigates the relationships between urbanization, economic growth, energy consumption, transportation, and carbon emissions in seven ASEAN countries from 2011 to 2022. As released by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 80 percent of the world’s population living in urban areas were exposed to air quality levels that were above the WHO limits. The region that is most affected comes from those nations categorized as low to middle-income countries. Hence, it is best to examine why these 7 ASEAN nations categorized from the lower to upper-middle income countries are not able to control the increase in the level of their carbon emissions. The analysis would also identify the appropriate empirical model suitable for the data. Using panel data analysis applying econometric modeling which are the Pooled Ordinary Least Square, Fixed Effects Model, and Random Effects Model, the findings support the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, revealing that urbanization and economic growth significantly increase carbon emissions. The study emphasizes the need for renewable energy adoption and sustainable urban planning to reduce carbon footprints. Key recommendations include enhancing energy efficiency and promoting cleaner transportation technologies to achieve sustainable economic growth in the ASEAN region.

Advancing sustainability in China by uncovering the role of eco-innovation, sustainable urbanization and financial development: evidence from novel wavelet approaches

ABSTRACT The Chinese government has faced the challenge of striking a balance between environmental sustainability and economic growth. Nevertheless, it has been recognized that sustainable development is intricately linked with economic, financial, and technological factors. Recently, the Climate Action Tracker has labeled China’s sustainability actions and policies as ‘Highly Insufficient’; thus, it is imperative to explore innovative sustainability drivers and develop effective policy measures to achieve sustainable development. Consequently, this study aims to empirically investigate the interrelationship between eco-innovation, economic growth, financial development, urbanization, and CO2 emission in China by utilizing quarterly data from 1980 to 2020, and employing Wavelet approaches for empirical analysis. The findings derived from Wavelet correlation and Wavelet coherence reveal that eco-innovation and urbanization reduce CO2 in the short- and medium-term. Conversely, financial development and economic growth increase CO2 across all frequencies from short- to long-term. The results from wavelet cohesion further corroborate the findings from wavelet coherence. Finally, the research reveals convincing evidence of feedback causality between CO2, and its underlying factors. The study recommends promoting eco-innovation, sustainable urbanization, and implementing policies that decouple financial development and economic growth from CO2 emissions to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Urbanization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Case of Kazakhstan

Subject: The study analyses the relationship between urbanization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ka zakhstan, looking at the impact of urban growth on GHG emissions and suggesting pathways for their sustainable de velopment. Methods: The study relies on national statistics and utilizes a hybrid method that integrates the analysis data anal ysis with qualitative insights. In this study, we used an algorithm that includes three key steps: (1) aggregating data from various sources for the period 2015–2021; (2) using data visualization tools to construct graphs; and (3) construct ing mind maps to visualize the consequences of urbanization for air quality. Findings: Our results show that urbanization in Kazakhstan is closely linked to a growth in GHG, driven by indus trial development, energy consumption, and transportation. The analysis highlights the importance of considering eco logical, economic, and social aspects of balanced development urban growth and reducing environmental impacts. Conclusions: The study also identifies opportunities to reduce emissions through strategic urban planning, green infrastructure development, and clean technology adoption. The study contributes to the current debate on sustainable urbanization by offering insights that can inform urban management policies and practices in Kazakhstan and similar contexts worldwide.

Connection between urbanization and CO2 emissions in South Africa: does global uncertainty matter?

Purpose Given the interest in sustainable development, this study aims to assess the relationship between CO2 and urbanization as well as the role of world uncertainty in this association in a South African context. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses on yearly data from 1968 to 2020. To do this, the authors use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. Findings The authors find that urbanization’s effect on CO2 emissions is only significant when it is augmented with world uncertainty. Moreover, this effect is negative (referring to a reduction in CO2 emissions). Meanwhile, the authors find that GDP has a positive (that is, increasing) and significant effect on CO2 emissions. Overall, policymakers should focus on decoupling economic growth from traditional fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions. Originality/value The existing body of research contains numerous studies examining the relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions. However, the dearth of research on the impact of global uncertainty on this connection is weak. Hence, this study aims to fill this gap and make a significant contribution to the field.

Does Urbanization Impede Environmental Sustainability? Panel Data Evidence from South Asia

Climate change and global warming are burning issues in present era and urbanization can be a factor of carbon dioxide emission expansion which erodes environment quality. Considering rapid urbanization in South Asia during last few decades, this study examines the association between urbanization and CO2 emission. Panel data time series econometric techniques such as; panel DOLS, FMOLS and granger causality are applied by using panel data for 1973-2018. The results show that urbanization increases CO2 emission in the long run and this finding is also supported by the results of individual country based analyses. Moreover, unidirectional causal linkage from urban expansion to carbon dioxide emission and from energy consumption to carbon emission prevail. Important policy implications are proposed based on the findings. Energy efficient urban public transportation facilities, industrial emission abatement policies, awareness of masses through media etc. can help to reduce carbon emission whereas provision of social amenities in rural areas can lead to ease press of human movement towards urban areas.

The impact of roof systems on cooling and building energy efficiency

The excessive warming in the built environment, due to urbanization and anthropogenic heat emissions, has adverse effects on building energy consumption. Diverse technology using, e.g., vegetated roofs or innovative roof materials, have been proposed and implemented to ameliorate both indoor and outdoor thermal environments and reduce energy consumption. In this study, we apply a state-of-the-art urban canopy model to simulate the thermal performance of multiple roof technology, viz. the white, green, and hybrid roofs, in the contrasting urban environments of Princeton, NJ and Phoenix, AZ, USA. In addition, we estimate the combined energy-water saving potential for green roofs with five different irrigation schemes. It is found that green roofs can achieve a combined energy-water saving of $9.68 m−2 roof area in Phoenix with moisture-controlled irrigation, and $5.23 m−2 in Princeton without irrigation. These results can help to promote building energy efficiency by adapting to flexible and sustainable roof technology for heat mitigation.

Do green innovation and governance limit CO2 emissions: evidence from twelve polluting countries with panel data decision tree model

We examine the effectiveness of green innovation on CO2 emissions in the top twelve polluting nations—China, the US, India, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Italy, Poland, and the UK—from 1996 to 2020. Using panel data fixed and random effect model and decision tree analysis, we found that industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth increase CO2 emissions, whereas green energy consumption and governance decrease CO2 emissions. In the panel data tree-based model, governance is in the second and third positions in the decision tree fixed, and random effect model. Green innovation is not statistically significant despite the expected negative sign. The findings suggest that policymakers should encourage investment in green energy production and governance to combat environmental degradation. Investment in green energy should be escalated to ensure energy efficiency in the long term.

Spatial Variations in Relationships between Urbanization and Carbon Emissions in Chinese Urban Agglomerations

Spatial Variations in Relationships between Urbanization and Carbon Emissions in Chinese Urban Agglomerations

Investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics and interplay mechanisms between population urbanization and carbon dioxide emissions in China

Population urbanization significantly influences urban carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As urban areas expand and populations grow, the demand for energy and resources rises, contributing to higher CO2 emissions. Understanding the objective laws and mechanisms linking these factors is crucial for promoting low-carbon and environmentally sustainable urban practices. This study utilizes the Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model to explore the impact of population urbanization on CO2 emissions and innovatively investigates the roles of policies and demographic factors in this process. By examining 30 representative provincial administrative regions in China, the results indicate: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the global Moran's I index for CO2 emissions generally shows a declining trend, with high-emission areas clustering increasingly in the northern regions; (2) CO2 emissions exhibit an accelerating upward trend with the progression of population urbanization, with significant regional disparities across eastern, central, and western China; (3) Energy transition policies and the establishment of a carbon emissions trading system are effective in reducing CO2 emissions; (4) During the process of population urbanization, it is essential to consider urban environmental carrying capacity and employment guidance to ensure a fair energy transition.

The nexus between economic growth, urbanization, technological advancement, and CO2 emissions: Where does the GCC stand?

Most countries, particularly developing and growing economies, have the primary goal of achieving greater economic growth in order to improve living standards. However, a boost in economic activity raises energy demand, which in turn raises carbon dioxide emissions and deteriorates the environment. This paper investigates the effect of economic growth, energy consumption, and research and development on CO2 emissions in Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) countries. The study uses the Vector Error Correction Model to investigate the short- and long-run synergy between variables over the period 2000–2022. The results indicate that boosting economic activity requires more energy consumption and will increase CO2 emissions in the long run. Investing in research and development can enhance the quality of the environment, yet the effect of urbanization on CO2 emissions in GCC countries remains unclear. To reduce energy consumption, it is first necessary to expand renewable energy sources and encourage energy-saving techniques. Then, to lower CO2 emissions, the government must promote investments in green technologies, particularly in manufacturing. Third, the government should encourage sustainable urbanization by putting laws in place that encourage the growth of green cities and transportation networks.

Exploring the spatio-temporal driving mechanism of multi-dimensional urbanization on urban residential buildings based on GTWR: a case study of China

ABSTRACT Examining how urbanization affects carbon emissions in the construction industry is crucial for China's efforts to achieve environmentally friendly and low-carbon growth. Nevertheless, current research predominantly employs a unidimensional approach to gauge urbanization, overlooking the nuanced characteristics of novel urbanization. This study explored the spatial and temporal characteristics of the impact of urbanization on carbon emissions from urban residential buildings from a multidimensional perspective, starting from five dimensions: population, economy, land, life, and ecology, using a spatial–temporal geographically weighted regression model (GTWR) and panel data from 30 provinces in China for the period 2010–2020. The findings of this study revealed that, on the whole, population urbanization, land urbanization, and lifestyle urbanization exert a significant facilitating influence on carbon emissions from urban residential buildings. Conversely, economic urbanization exhibits a notable inhibitory effect on carbon emissions from urban residential buildings. Furthermore, ecological urbanization transitions from an inhibitory effect to a promoting effect on carbon emissions from urban residential buildings. The impact of urbanization across various dimensions on carbon emissions from urban residential buildings displays spatiotemporal heterogeneity across different regions and periods. In addition, the structure of energy consumption is a contributing factor to the increase in carbon emissions from urban residential buildings, while there is a notable U-shaped relationship between the level of foreign investment, the industrial structure, and carbon emissions originating from urban residential areas. This study offers profound insights into the relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions, providing valuable guidance for policymakers.

Impact of Rapid Economic Development with Rising Carbon Emissions on Public Health And Healthcare Costs in Bangladesh

Background: Bangladesh, a rapidly developing country, is experiencing a critical phase where economic growth and environmental sustainability must be balanced. The swift industrialization and urbanization have led to increased energy consumption and carbon emissions, negatively impacting public health and healthcare expenditures. This study determined the intricate relationships between healthcare expenditure and its determinants—economic growth, CO2 emissions, urbanization, and natural resource use—in Bangladesh. Methods: Utilizing a dataset from 2004 to 2023, this study applies advanced econometric methods, including the dual adjustment approach, spectral causality, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR). Results: Results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between economic growth, urbanization, natural resources, and CO2 emissions on healthcare spending. The findings underscore that CO2 emissions and urbanization are substantial contributors to rising healthcare costs, while natural resources and economic growth present varying impacts based on different econometric models. The dual adjustment approach provides robust evidence of cointegration, revealing the long-term interactions among these variables. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study emphasizes the urgent need for effective national policies to mitigate healthcare costs driven by environmental degradation and economic growth. By understanding these relationships, policymakers can better manage health expenditures while promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh. The research highlights the necessity of integrating environmental and health policies to achieve a balanced growth trajectory.

Urbanization and greenhouse gas emissions from municipal wastewater in coastal provinces of China: Spatiotemporal patterns, driving factors, and mitigation strategies

Coastal cities, as hubs of social and economic activity, have witnessed rapid urbanization and population growth. This study explores the transformative changes in urban municipal wastewater treatment practices and their profound implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Chinese coastal provinces. The approach employed in this study integrates comprehensive data analysis with statistical modeling to elucidate the complex interplay between urbanization, wastewater treatment practices, and GHG emissions. Results reveal a substantial surge in GHG emissions from coastal wastewater treatment, rising from 3367.1 Gg CO2e/yr in 1990–23644.8 Gg CO2e/yr in 2019. Spatially, the top 20 cities contribute 56.0% of emissions, with hotspots in the Bohai Sea Region, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. Initially dominated by emissions from untreated wastewater, post-2004, GHG emissions from treatment processes became the primary source, tied to electricity use. Growing population and urbanization rates escalated wastewater discharge, intensifying GHG emissions. From 1990 to 2019, average GHG intensity ranged between 320.5 and 676.6 g CO2e/m3 wastewater, with an annual increase of 12.3 g CO2e/m3. GHG intensity variations relate to the wastewater treatment rate, impacting CH4, N2O, and CO2 emissions, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to mitigate environmental impact.

Dynamic nexus among fossil fuels utilization, economic growth, and urbanization: a tri-regional selected countries analysis.

There are worldwide growing concerns about environmental issues such as global warming and climate change. Moreover, it is expected that there will be regional differences in environmental issues. Therefore, this study focuses on a tri-regional comparison: America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Previous literature has paid less attention to exploring regional comparisons while considering regional heterogeneity. Against this backdrop, this study delves into the dynamic relationship between fossil fuel utilization, economic growth, globalization, urbanization, and CO2 emissions to understand the environmental implications of these interconnected factors. The study period spans from 1990 to 2021. Additionally, it employed rigorous tests to confirm cross-sectional dependence and data heterogeneity, following methodologies proposed by Pesaran (2004, 2015) and Pesaran (2007), utilizing the CS-ARDL panel cointegration methodology by Chudik and Pesaran (2015). The results confirm long-term significant relationships among OC, NGC, FDI, and UR variables in both combined panels, with and without regional dummies. However, GDP and COC become insignificant in the long run in the dummy variables regression. Furthermore, the regional dummies were found to be negative but remain insignificant, possibly due to heterogeneous effects or unobserved factors influencing each region independently. Analysis by region reveals predominant coal consumption in Asia, higher oil consumption in America, and greater gas consumption in Europe. Economic growth and CO2 emissions are positive in Asia and America but negative in Europe, aligning with theories prioritizing growth over environmental concerns in Asia and America, and advocating for renewable energy adoption in Europe. Urbanization increases energy demand and emissions, supporting the environmental revolution theory, while FDI holds the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, as per the endogenous growth theory.

New Interpretation of Human–Land Relation: Differentiated Impacts of Global Demographic Transition on Carbon Emissions

Demographic transition and environmental governance are the most prominent focal points of global concern in the 21st century. We quantitatively evaluate the distinct carbon emission impacts of the global demographic transition by regression models based on C–D production function. Our study highlights that while demographic transition boosts per capita economic growth, it adversely affects overall economic output and aggregate economic growth, highlighting significant reductions in carbon emissions as a result of these demographic changes. However, it has a negative contribution to overall economic output and economic growth. Meanwhile, demographic transition eventually reduces carbon emissions to some extent. The relationship between population urbanization and carbon emissions mainly conforms to an inverted U-shaped curve, while some of it does to a linear growth pattern. However, the relationship between population aging and carbon emissions mainly conforms to an inverted U-shaped pattern. The impacts of demographic transition on carbon emissions confirm the universality of the EKC law in the particular production function.

A multiscale analysis of the relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions using geo-weighted regression model

It is of great practical significance to explore the relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions for the low-carbon development of cities. However, the multiscale assessment of spatial relationship between population, land and economic urbanization and CO2 emissions is lacked. In this study, we first adopted the spatial statistical methods to evaluate the spatial pattern of China’s CO2 emissions in 2019. Then, we spatially quantified China’s urbanization of land, population and economy based on statistical data. Finally, we used the geo-weighted regression model to explore the spatial relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions at the national-economic zone-province scale. The results displayed that there is obvious spatial heterogeneity in the relationship between China’s urbanization and CO2 emissions. The significant positive correlation between urbanization and CO2 emissions were mainly located in the northeastern, eastern and southwestern regions, consistent with the characteristics of the Heihe–Tengchong Line. The uneven development of land, population and economic urbanization would lead to more CO2 emissions. We suggest that China should attend the balanced development of urban land, population and economy, and avoid the additional carbon emissions caused by incongruence, to further the development of low-carbon cities.

Integrated satellite observations unravel the relationship between urbanization and anthropogenic non-methane volatile organic compound emissions globally

As urban areas expand globally, human activities are leading to a sustained increase in non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) emissions, escalating both environmental and health-related concerns. Given their diverse origins, estimating anthropogenic NMVOC emissions levels from global urban areas remains challenging. Here, we integrate TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) formaldehyde (HCHO) column data, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) nighttime light (NTL) radiance data, and the Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) to develop a method for estimating global anthropogenic NMVOC emissions. Furthermore, we construct a linear model to analyze the relationship between urbanization and anthropogenic NMVOC emissions. Our research reveals that meticulously filtered TROPOMI HCHO columns have a high Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.91) with anthropogenic NMVOC emissions, indicating its reliability as an indicator reflecting the levels of anthropogenic NMVOC emissions. We establish linear models at various scales, including global, continental, and national, linking HCHO columns (as indicators of anthropogenic NMVOC emissions) and NTL radiance (as an indicator of urbanization). The global-scale linear model exhibits an r of 0.81, with a slope of 0.42 × 1015 molec. cm−2 nanoWatts−1 cm2 sr and an intercept of 9.26 × 1015 molec. cm−2. This linear model reflects a positive correlation between urbanization and anthropogenic NMVOC emissions, also serving as a tool for estimating the levels of anthropogenic NMVOC emissions in urban areas. This study offers valuable insights for real-time monitoring of extensive anthropogenic NMVOC emissions.

Bigger cities and less carbon? Government-driven urbanization and carbon emissions in China

The urbanization mode plays a crucial role in urban energy transformation and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the existing research on how government-driven urbanization (GDU) influences urban carbon emissions is relatively insufficient. By combining satellite imagery data and socio-economic data between 1999 and 2021, this research exploits China's city-county mergers (CCM) as a quasi-experiment trial to investigate the impact of GDU on carbon emissions based on the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) approach. This study indicates that GDU results in a 1.8% decrease in carbon emission intensity. The mechanism analysis shows that GDU reduces carbon emission intensity through population agglomeration, intensive land use, and industrial structure adjustment. Heterogeneity analysis shows that GDU's policy effect is influenced by the county's geographical location and socio-economic characteristics. The reform influence is more compelling in counties located on the administrative boundary, with less financial pressure or a better industrial foundation. In the future, policymakers need to nudge for urbanization appropriately according to specific scenarios and promote urban energy transition and carbon reduction.

The relationship between urbanization, energy consumption, economic growth, and carbon dioxide emissions in middle eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt

The Middle East region is a strategic driver of the global economy. However, ensuring environmental sustainability in the context of rapid urban and economic changes remains a major challenge for most Middle Eastern countries. Although researchers have widely examined factors affecting carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), little attention has been paid to the Middle Eastern countries. This study uses an ARDL model to examine the nexus between urbanization, energy consumption, economic growth, and CO2 emissions for three Middle Eastern countries, (Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan) based on panel data for the period from 1990 to 2023. Findings reveal that urbanization has had no significant impact on CO2 emissions in Egypt; this is not in line with the findings for Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where urbanization has reduced CO2 emissions in the long- and short-run, indicating that urban policies are well matched with environmental goals in both countries. However, empirical results indicate that energy consumption has had a positive effect on CO2 emissions in the long- and short-run in all three countries and economic growth has also had a positive impact on CO2 emissions. The fact that economic growth has been unable to mitigate CO2 emissions indicates a mismatch between economic policies and environmental goals. This article suggests a series of valuable insights for policymakers to reduce CO2 emissions.

Advancing environmental sustainability in the G-7: The impact of the digital economy, technological innovation, and financial accessibility using panel ARDL approach

This study examines the impact of the digital economy, technological innovation, financial accessibility, and urbanization on CO2 emissions in the G-7 region from 1990 to 2019. The analysis employed Cross-Sectional Dependence (CSD) and Slope Homogeneity tests, revealing the presence of CSD issues and heterogeneous slope coefficients. First- and second-generation panel unit root tests indicated no unit root problem within the dataset, with variables showing mixed integration orders. Panel cointegration tests confirmed that the variables are cointegrated over the long run. To assess the short-run and long-run impacts of the explanatory variables on CO2 emissions, the study utilized the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The findings indicate that the digital economy significantly reduces CO2 emissions, while economic growth, technological innovation, financial accessibility, and urbanization increase CO2 emissions in the G-7 region. The robustness of the Panel ARDL results was validated using Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, Augmented Mean Group (AMG), and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) estimations. Additionally, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test revealed a unidirectional causal relationship between the digital economy and CO2 emissions, GDP and CO2 emissions, and CO2 emissions and technological innovation. Furthermore, bidirectional causality was found between financial accessibility and CO2 emissions, as well as between urbanization and CO2 emissions. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the dynamic interactions between economic, technological, and environmental variables in the G-7 region, highlighting the complexity of achieving sustainable development.