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Assessing progress in decoupling transport CO2 emissions from GDP growth since 1970

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  • Steven Parker

    (Sunway University
    La Trobe University)

Abstract

Decarbonization of economies is seen as a high priority for many countries to reduce the impact of climate change. As such, policy makers need robust and reliable decoupling indicators to assess decarbonization progress. This paper utilizes a regression-based approach to estimate decoupling indicators and identify decoupling states in the transport sector. The proposed method is easy to use, data driven, providing robust and reliable estimates of decoupling elasticities and fits within existing policy frameworks. Analyzing the transport sector for 59 countries from across the world beginning 1970, only 16 are weakly decoupling. Most of these have been identified as being part of a group with sustained economy-wide CO2 reductions. Stronger and localized green transport policy action is needed to meet emissions targets for most countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Parker, 2024. "Assessing progress in decoupling transport CO2 emissions from GDP growth since 1970," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 66(1), pages 27-51, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:66:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s00181-023-02459-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-023-02459-x
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    Keywords

    Decoupling; Transport CO2; Asia; Europe; North America; LASSO;
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