What drives the temporal and spatial differences of CO2 emissions in the transport sector? Empirical evidence from municipalities in China

To formulate efficient emission reduction policies, we explore the driving forces of CO2 emissions from the transport sector of four municipalities in China during 2000-2017 based on the temporal-spatial decomposition analysis model. The key factors causing the differences in CO2 emissions will be investigated in important years (i.e., 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2017). Two main results are found: (1) Energy intensity, as well as transportation intensity, is the dominant restraining factor confronting the transport sector's CO2 emissions, while the income effect is reversed. (2) The results of the analysis further show what drives different emission levels (e.g., income effect, energy structure, and transportation structure) and four municipalities have greater potential in the reduction of CO2 emissions. We further discuss the root causes of the spatial-temporal differences in carbon emissions in the transport sector and analyse their future trends in detail. Based on this, we propose to pay attention to strengthen coordinated emission reduction, optimize the transportation mode, adjust the energy consumption structure, and select emission reduction strategies according to local conditions. In addition, emission reductions in the transportation sector are also affected by various factors such as social systems and transformation costs, and further research is needed in the future.

Automated summary

The study identifies energy intensity and transportation intensity as key factors restricting CO2 emissions in the transport sector, while the income effect is reversed. By analyzing different driving factors, cities with greater potential for emission reductions can be identified. Recommendations include strengthening coordinated emission reduction, optimizing transportation modes, and conducting further research in the future.