Determinants of CO2 emissions in the Mediterranean Countries

Abstract

Population growth, income per capita and production structure: In this paper we will analyze the relationship between CO2 emissions in 25 countries of the Union for the Mediterranean and the following variables. The sample includes data from the period of 2009-2014. The results show significant disparities between countries, but in general, it appears that the impact of the explanatory variables considered in the CO2 emissions is lower in EU member countries than in the candidate countries about to join the EU and those from Africa and Middle East. Regarding the population growth, there were no major differences between the full range of countries. However, with respect to income per capita and energy intensity, the more developed countries have shown an impact of more than 50% lower than countries that are defined to be in a process of development.