Impacts of Land Urbanization on CO2 Emissions: Policy Implications Based on Developmental Stages

Abstract

The systematic advancement of land urbanization coupled with the pursuit of a low-carbon economy constitutes a critical challenge faced by numerous nations across the globe. Utilizing panel data spanning 195 countries from 1990 to 2020, this study employed a panel regression model to scrutinize the impact mechanisms of land urbanization on CO2 emissions across income groups. The findings revealed a consistent overall increase in both land urbanization and per capita CO2 emissions during the period examined, with marked disparities evident among countries of varying income levels. The regression analysis further identified an “inverted U-shaped” curve relationship between land urbanization and per capita CO2 emissions in the global context and within high-income panels. Conversely, a “U-shaped” curve relationship was discerned in lower-middle-income nations, whereas a linear relationship was observed in upper-middle-income and low-income countries. These insights serve to deepen the understanding of the CO2 emission implications of land urbanization across countries at different development stages. This study underscores the necessity for countries to attentively consider their unique stage of development when devising CO2 reduction policies, reinforcing the complex interplay between urbanization, economic categorization, and environmental stewardship.