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

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  • Zhilong Pan

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
    Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 257092, China)

  • Zhibao Wang

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
    Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 257092, China)

  • Xin Cui

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
    Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 257092, China)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhilong Pan & Zhibao Wang & Xin Cui, 2024. "New Interpretation of Human–Land Relation: Differentiated Impacts of Global Demographic Transition on Carbon Emissions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:5168-:d:1416861
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lijie Wei & Yu Cheng & Zhibao Wang & Zhilong Pan & Guangzhi Qi, 2025. "Does Multidimensional Urbanization Help Reduce Environmental Pollution?—Evidence from Three Major Urban Agglomerations in the Yangtze River Economic Belt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-24, February.

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