The Relationship of Energy and CO<sub>2</sub> Emissions with GDP per Capita in Colombia

We analyze the relationship of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per capita and primary energy per capita with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and other relevant variables in Colombia for the period 1971–2017. Two partial adjustment models are estimated through the seemingly unrelated reg...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lourdes Isabel Patiño, Emilio Padilla, Vicent Alcántara, Josep Lluís Raymond
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/8/778
Description
Summary:We analyze the relationship of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per capita and primary energy per capita with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and other relevant variables in Colombia for the period 1971–2017. Two partial adjustment models are estimated through the seemingly unrelated regression equations method. There is a decrease in these environmental pressures during some years of the period. However, the results reject the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis and indicate that economic growth is still linked to an increase in these environmental pressures in Colombia. Moreover, a linear relationship between both indicators and GDP per capita is not rejected. Several factors explain the changes in energy consumption and emissions over time, the policies applied being crucial. Some determinants that helped to control these environmental pressures are the change in primary energy source composition, which entailed primary energy savings and a reduction in CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, as well as the regulations aimed at controlling CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from the transport and industrial sectors.
ISSN:2073-4433