Drivers in CO2 emissions variation: A decomposition analysis for 33 world countries. (15th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andreoni, Valeria; Galmarini, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 103(2016)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2016-05-15
• Subjects: Energy intensity -- Carbon dioxide emission intensity -- Economic growth -- Index decomposition analysis -- WIOD; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: A decomposition analysis of energy related CO2 emissions is carried out for 33 world countries. The data pertain to the period 1995–2007. The methodology used is the Index Decomposition Analysis that allows to investigate the contribution of the following factors: (i) changes in abatement technologies, fuel quality and fuel switching; (ii) changes in the structure and efficiency of the energy system; (iii) relative ranking of a country in terms of the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) generation and (iv) changes of the country specific total economic activity. The WIOD (World Input Output Database) has been used together with Organization for the Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data on GDP. Results show that economic growth has been the main driving factor of energy related CO2 emissions increase. However, in fast developing countries like India and China, an important contribution has also been the increasing role that these economies are playing in the global economic panorama. Improvements on energy efficiency have been the main element contributing to reduce the overall CO2 emission increase in all the countries considered in this study. Highlights: A decomposition analysis of CO2 emissions is carried out for 33 countries. Four explanatory factors have been considered, namely: CI, EI, ES, G effects. Carbon and energy efficiency improvements contributed to reduce CO2 emission increase. Economic growth has been the main factor of CO2 emission increase.