Environmental Studies and Forestry

Built structures influence patterns of energy demand and CO₂ emissions across countries

H. Haberl, M. Löw, et al.

This groundbreaking research reveals how built structures significantly impact energy demand and CO₂ emissions on a national scale, highlighting the critical role of built-up land per capita. Conducted by Helmut Haberl, Markus Löw, Alejandro Perez-Laborda, Sarah Matej, Barbara Plank, Dominik Wiedenhofer, Felix Creutzig, Karl-Heinz Erb, and Juan Antonio Duro, this study challenges conventional predictors like GDP by emphasizing the importance of built environment indicators.

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Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of built structures on national-level energy demand and CO₂ emissions. Using a novel set of national-level indicators characterizing built structures for 113 countries, the study finds that these indicators are equally important predictors of energy demand and CO₂ emissions as GDP and other conventional factors. The area of built-up land per capita is identified as the most significant predictor, second only to GDP.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jul 03, 2023

Authors

Helmut Haberl, Markus Löw, Alejandro Perez-Laborda, Sarah Matej, Barbara Plank, Dominik Wiedenhofer, Felix Creutzig, Karl-Heinz Erb, Juan Antonio Duro

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