CO₂ emissions and GDP

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how CO₂ equivalent emissions are closely linked with economic development, over time and also across countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Emissions data from energy information administration were subjected to macro analysis, regressed upon GDP data, longitudinally and cross‐sectionally.

Findings

The conversion factor linking energy to output to pollution is estimated over time and between economies. It is today far too high, making global climate change almost certain.

Practical implications

Global environmental coordination is very difficult to achieve, given the nature of this gigantic PD game in combination with weak institutions for policy making and implementation. The only way to stabilise CO₂ emissions is to focus upon the conversion factor linking energy to output to pollution.

Originality/value

The paper shows the clear and Juggernaut type connections between energy‐economic output‐CO₂ emissions.

Citation

Lane, J. (2011), "CO₂ emissions and GDP", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 38 No. 11, pp. 911-918. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291111171414