Reduction in Carbon Emissions Intensity and Impact on Export Competitiveness: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

India’s organized manufacturing sector experienced a 11% fall in its carbon di oxide (CO2) emissions intensity during 2009–2012, while a majority of the manufacturing plants achieved over a 30% fall during the corresponding period. How did such a reduction in CO2 emissions intensity affect the export competitiveness of Indian manufacturing firms? Using firm-level data for 2009–2013, this paper attempts to empirically answer that question. It is found that large firms and capital intensive firms have achieved a relatively faster decline in CO2 emissions intensity and that containment of CO2 emissions in manufacturing firms did not cause any major loss in their export competitiveness. Rather, it is found to be positively associated with increases in exports.