CO2 emissions and the role of urbanization in East Asian and Pacific countries

Considering the anthropogenic activities and its adverse effects on the Earth's environment, the present study provides empirical evidence about the nexus between CO2 emissions and urbanization over the period of 1982-2014 for East Asian and Pacific countries. After the application of Zivot Andrews (ZA) unit root test, we applied autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach for econometric analysis. The findings showed that urbanization is significantly decreasing CO2 emissions in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. Moreover, urbanization is increasing CO2 emissions in Singapore, Macao, and South Korea. This study put some policy implications for Singapore, Macao, and South Korea to consider there urbanization policies. They should promote green energy in their urban areas for sustainable development. Hence, the policy makers should reconsider their trade and urbanization policies in the region to achieve healthy and sustainable environment.

Automated summary

The study found that urbanization has varying effects on CO2 emissions in different countries, suggesting that Singapore, Macao, and South Korea should promote green energy in urban areas for sustainable development. Policy makers should reconsider trade and urbanization policies in the region to achieve a healthy and sustainable environment.