Driving factors behind energy-related carbon emissions in the U.S. road
transport sector: a decomposition analysis
Abstract
The U.S. is the world’s second largest contributor to carbon emissions,
with its road transport sector being one of the most significant
emission sources. However, few studies have been conducted on factors
influencing the emissions changes for the U.S. from the perspective of
passenger and freight transport. This study aims to evaluate the carbon
emissions from the U.S. road passenger and freight transport sectors,
using a Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index approach. Emissions from 2008 to
2017 in the U.S. road transport sector are analysed and key findings
include: 1) passenger transport contributes over 70% to total transport
carbon emissions, with cars and light trucks contributing the highest
share; 2) energy intensity and passenger transport intensity are
critical for reducing emissions from road passenger transport, and
transport structure change is causing shift of emissions between
different passenger transport modes; and 3) the most effective
strategies to reduce carbon emissions in the road freight transport
sector are to improve energy intensity and reduce freight transport
intensity. Several policy recommendations regarding reducing energy and
transport intensity are proposed. The results and policy recommendations
are expected to provide useful references for policy makers to form
carbon emissions reduction strategies for the road transport sector.