Urban population impact on CO² emission: 1961-2014 panel data analysis

Abstract

In this paper we get empirical evidence to development impact on pollution in a long run perspective, 1961-2014, using five years average World Bank countries annual information for CO2 emissions (a proxy for pollution), population growth and urban population (proxy for human natural resources pressure) and life expectancy at birth (proxy for development). We also considerer regional, income levels and time effects. We found that only urban population has robust positive effect on pollution. It makes sense once the world population and urban concentration increased a lot in 20th century. This spectacular human concentration in a consider carbon-based society had strong environment impact.