Driving mechanisms for decoupling CO ₂ emissions from economic development in the ten largest emission countries

ABSTRACT The significant contribution to CO 2 emissions includes historically cumulative in the United States, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, as well current increase emerging economies, such China, India, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, which contribute 68% of global emissions. Therefore, it is important measure changes driving mechanisms these countries. This study used LMDI STIRPAT model explore for decoupling from economic growth 10 largest emission countries based on World Bank International Energy Agency databases. results showed that have tripled over last 55 years, driven primarily by (+170%) population (+41%), whereas a decline energy intensity (−87%) carbon (−24%) slowed most period. In increases CO2 were associated with growth. Intensity effects prominent reductions Russia. Overall, developed except Korea strong relationships, six developing weak decoupling.