The impact of transport infrastructure on regional carbon emissions

Abstract An in-depth exploration of the impact mechanisms of transportation infrastructure on carbon emissions is crucial for formulating effective emission reduction policies. Utilizing panel data spanning from 2007 to 2019 for 30 provinces in China, this study employs panel fixed effects models, panel threshold models, and spatial spillover effect models to delve into the influence of transportation infrastructure on regional carbon emissions. The findings reveal that: the construction of transportation infrastructure can stimulate an increase in regional carbon emissions; in eastern and central regions, the impact of transportation infrastructure on regional carbon emissions is significantly positive, whereas this impact is insignificant in western regions; when per capita GDP exceeds a certain threshold, the promotional effect of transportation infrastructure on regional carbon emissions diminishes; transportation infrastructure not only promotes carbon emission growth within the local region but also significantly enhances carbon emissions in neighboring regions.