Factors Affecting Transport Sector CO2 Emissions in Eastern European Countries: An LMDI Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

In this paper, we use the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) to apply decomposition analysis on Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport systems in seven Eastern European countries over the period between 2005 and 2015. The results show that “economic activity” is the main factor responsible for CO2 emissions in all the countries in our sample. The second factor causing increase in CO2 emissions is the “fuel mix” by type and mode of transport. Modal share and energy intensity affect the growth of CO2 emissions but in a less significant way. Finally, only the “population” and “emission coefficient” variables slowed the growth of these emissions in all the countries, except for Slovenia, where the population variable was found to be responsible for the increase in CO2 emissions. These results not only contribute to advancing the existing literature but also provide important policy recommendations.