The Impact of Urbanization on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Multidimensional Analysis

Today, urban areas are considered significant sources of CO₂ emissions, making the problem of climate change particularly urgent. This study aims to analyze urbanization’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions, identify key economic, social, and environmental factors, and propose recommendations for sustainable urban development. The study is based on econometric analysis of panel data collected from 107 countries from 2004 to 2023 from the World Development Indicators (WDI) database, using linear regression models to examine the relationship between urbanization levels and CO₂ emissions. Results show a negative correlation (-0.361) between urbanization and emissions, indicating the potential for reducing emissions through compact urban development, with energy consumption as the main factor contributing to increased emissions (R² = 0.8541). Renewable energy use has a significant effect on reducing emissions (-0.585). In Kazakhstan, high dependence on coal-fired power leads to an increase in emissions. However, an increase in the share of renewable energy sources can significantly improve the environmental situation (-0.830). Thus, the results of the study confirm that urbanization, provided by compact urban planning and the introduction of renewable energy, can contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions per capita. It is advisable to study specific future strategies for reducing emissions in Kazakhstan, including developing smart cities and low-carbon technology. The work has practical value, offering recommendations on integrating sustainable energy use, efficient infrastructure, and environmental management into Kazakhstan’s urbanization process.

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