The Impact of Development on CO₂ Emissions: A Case Study for Bangladesh Until 2050

Abstract

Bangladesh, a country with a population of 160 million, is currently contributing 0.14 percent to the world’s emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, mostly due to a growing population and economic growth (which both lead to an increase in energy consumption), Bangladesh’s share in CO₂ emissions is – despite the increasing use of alternative energy – expected to rise sharply. This study uses the example of Bangladesh to illustrate the impact of low-income countries’ energy neutral development on global CO₂ emissions in 2050 by using a set of alternative assumptions for population growth and GDP growth. It also shows how complex the determinants for (a) gains in energy efficiency and (b) changes in carbon intensity are in low-income countries.

Keywords: climate change, carbon dioxide emissions, Bangladesh

JEL Classification: Q54, Q56