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Spatial compactness and carbon emission: Nighttime light satellite‐based exposure assessment

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  • Kangjuan Lv
  • Furong Sun
  • Lisha Wang

Abstract

Scholars of urban sustainability are increasingly interested in the influence of spatial configuration on local environmental performance, with a focus on urban compactness. Spatial compactness with urban density boosts energy‐efficient construction and infrastructure, subsequently encouraging lower carbon emissions. In this study, we first documented the distributional pattern of spatial compactness in the prefectures of Japan using refined measurement and nighttime light satellite data, which is a more consistent indicator of economic activities. Further, we investigate the underlying impact of this compactness on the local carbon emission intensity with quantitative evidence. The regression results indicate that higher compactness in a prefecture corresponds to lower carbon intensity even in different settings. Moreover, robustness checks verify the consistency of the abatement effects. Additionally, the mitigating role of compactness presents a heterogeneous pattern across sectors. The effect is statistically significant only in the manufacturing and household sectors. These findings add to the value of urban compactness and offer important policy implications for addressing sustainable societies in the long term. Los investigadores de la sostenibilidad urbana se interesan cada vez más por la influencia de la configuración espacial en el desempeño medioambiental local, centrándose en la compacidad urbana. La compacidad espacial con densidad urbana impulsa la construcción y la infraestructura energéticamente eficientes, lo que a su vez fomenta la reducción de las emisiones de carbono. En este estudio se documenta por primera vez el patrón de distribución de la compacidad espacial en las prefecturas de Japón utilizando mediciones refinadas y datos satelitales de luz nocturna, que es un indicador más uniforme de las actividades económicas. Además, se investiga el impacto subyacente de esta compacidad en la intensidad de las emisiones locales de carbono mediante pruebas cuantitativas. Los resultados de la regresión indican que una mayor compacidad en una prefectura se corresponde con una menor intensidad de carbono, incluso en entornos diferentes. Además, los controles de robustez verifican la uniformidad de los efectos de reducción. Asimismo, el papel mitigador de la compacidad presenta un patrón heterogéneo entre sectores. El efecto sólo es estadísticamente significativo en los sectores manufacturero y doméstico. Estas conclusiones añaden valor a la compacidad urbana y ofrecen importantes implicaciones políticas para abordar el tema de las sociedades sostenibles a largo plazo. 都市における持続可能性の研究者らは、都市のコンパクト性に注目し、空間構成が地域の環境パフォーマンスに与える影響に関心を高めている。都市密度による空間のコンパクト化は、エネルギー効率の高い建築とインフラを推し進め、その結果として炭素排出量の削減が促進される。本稿は、経済活動の指標として一貫性が高い精密測定と夜間光衛星データを用いて、日本の都道府県における空間のコンパクト性の分布パターンを初めて記録したものである。さらに、このコンパクト性が局所的な炭素排出原単位 (intensity)に及ぼす基礎的な影響を、定量的エビデンスを用いて調べた。回帰分析の結果から、都道府県では、コンパクト性が高いほど、状況が異なっても炭素排出原単位が低いことが示された。さらに、頑健性の検証から削減効果が一貫していることが確認される。さらに、炭素排出量の削減におけるコンパクト性の役割は、セクターによって不均一なパターンが示された。この効果は製造業と家庭のセクターにおいてのみ統計的に有意である。以上の知見は、コンパクトな都市の価値を高め、持続可能な社会に長期的に対処するための重要な政策的インプリケーションを提供するものである。

Suggested Citation

  • Kangjuan Lv & Furong Sun & Lisha Wang, 2023. "Spatial compactness and carbon emission: Nighttime light satellite‐based exposure assessment," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(9), pages 2089-2105, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:rgscpp:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:2089-2105
    DOI: 10.1111/rsp3.12701
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