The effect of urbanization on environmental emissions: Evidence from a meta-analysis

The growing trend of urbanization has important environmental implications, as it is often associated with rising emissions. In theory, urbanization can affect the environment in both beneficial and adverse ways. On the one hand, it can increase energy demand, contributing to environmental harm. Urban-driven economic growth can lead to increased energy consumption, potentially exacerbating environmental degradation. On the other hand, urbanization has the potential to mitigate environmental harm by fostering agglomeration effects, economies of scale, improved education, technological innovation, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. Empirical studies on the relationship between urbanization and emissions present mixed results, consistent with the theory. To address heterogeneity across empirical studies, we conducted a meta-analysis of 172 studies, resulting in 1598 effect sizes. Our funnel asymmetric test and precision effect test (FAT-PET) analysis suggests publication bias in previous research, but we do not find an overall significant effect of urbanization on emissions. However, when we disaggregated studies by region, we found that urbanization decreases emissions in Latin America, whereas it has no significant impact in Africa, Asia, and the West.