Can air transportation reach to zero carbon emissions: comparative econometric analysis between transportation modes in the USA

The lack of research examining the impact of all modes of transportation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions evaluated collectively in a single study is a void in the transportation-environment literature. This research fills that need by utilising the ARDL technique to project forward in time and estimate the impact of various transportation modes, including pipelines, on CO2 emissions in the USA between 1980-2022. In a distinct model that takes into account economic development and energy use, all forms of transportation modes are analysed. The findings of the ARDL suggest that there is a correlation that is interpreted as a statistically significant inverse link between the modes of transportation of air and pipelines and CO2 emissions. A 1% increase in air transportation and pipeline transportation causing a decrease of CO2 emissions by 0.03% and 0.06% respectively. Likewise, causalities detected between air transportation and CO2 emissions, air transportation and energy use, pipeline transportation and CO2 emissions, pipeline transportation and energy use. Lastly, policy implications suggested such as using renewable energy resources and alternate cleaner resources on all modes of transportation systems to develop sustainable transportation for environment.