Energy emissions, consumption and impact of urban households: A review

About 3 billion people still rely on traditional sources of fuel. Biomass-based fuels were responsible for more than 4 million deaths in 2012. Household energy consumption is steadily increasing across cities due to the urbanization of rural areas, more economic and travel activities. In this review, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and other bibliometric tools were applied to determine the conceptual structure and typological thematic areas of household emissions in urban areas. The current state of knowledge and opportunities towards creating carbon-neutral cities indicated that while most of the research was focussed on cities and regions of developed countries and China, the mitigation activities grouped under three broad heads - reducing emissions, consumption and impact of household emissions. Strong heterogeneity between the urban and rural areas, fuel options and human choices gave rise to fuel-stacking in developing countries. Integrated modelling and inclusion of environmental and human behavioural components into economic models were recognised as emerging fields oriented towards a systems approach. Accessibility and availability of clean energy and clean energy appliances were identified as the biggest challenges. To create carbon-neutral urban areas, integrated modelling should include categorization of carbon policy according to local conditions, analysis of feedback loops, embedded emissions, the global and regional impact of household consumption patterns, and uncertainty associated with mitigation measures.

Automated summary

The research highlights the increase in household energy consumption in urban areas due to urbanization and economic activities, and the high mortality caused by biomass-based fuels. Disparities between urban and rural areas, fuel-stacking in developing countries, and challenges related to clean energy accessibility and appliances were identified. The study also emphasizes the importance of integrated modeling for creating carbon-neutral urban areas and addressing the uncertainty associated with mitigation measures.