New Interpretation of Human–Land Relation: Differentiated Impacts of Global Demographic Transition on Carbon Emissions

Abstract

Demographic transition and environmental governance are the most prominent focal points of global concern in the 21st century. We quantitatively evaluate the distinct carbon emission impacts of the global demographic transition by regression models based on C–D production function. Our study highlights that while demographic transition boosts per capita economic growth, it adversely affects overall economic output and aggregate economic growth, highlighting significant reductions in carbon emissions as a result of these demographic changes. However, it has a negative contribution to overall economic output and economic growth. Meanwhile, demographic transition eventually reduces carbon emissions to some extent. The relationship between population urbanization and carbon emissions mainly conforms to an inverted U-shaped curve, while some of it does to a linear growth pattern. However, the relationship between population aging and carbon emissions mainly conforms to an inverted U-shaped pattern. The impacts of demographic transition on carbon emissions confirm the universality of the EKC law in the particular production function.