2023 Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 450-455
Urban decarbonization is based on the relationship that cities with higher population densities have lower automobile CO2 emissions. However, changes in automobile CO2 emissions over time must be observed to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions. Therefore, this study examines whether urban compactness contributes to reducing automobile CO2 emissions by clarifying the long-term evolution of automobile CO2 emissions from 1987 to 2021, considering changes in transportation behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the National Person Trip Survey to see their long-term transition from 1987 to 2021. Results indicated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overall emissions decreased from 2015 to 2021, reversing the overall trend of increasing automobile CO2 emissions up to 2015. Furthermore, the existence of other factors besides population density, such as urban structure, as a factor contributing to changes in automobile CO2 emissions.
