The effect of urbanization on environmental emissions: Evidence from a meta-analysis
by
Associate Professor Binyam Afewerk Demena
International Institute of Social Studies,
Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherland
Time and Venue
Time:10:00 – 11:30
Date: Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Venue: Room 15.01, Level 15, Building A1, National Economics University
207 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
Abstract
The growing trend of urbanization could have a significant environmental effect, as it often coincides with increasing environmental emissions. Theoretically, urbanization can impact the environment both in beneficial and harmful ways. On the one hand, it can increase energy demand, contributing to environmental harm. Urban-driven economic growth often leads to increased energy consumption, which can exacerbate environmental degradation. On the other hand, urbanization has the potential to mitigate environmental harm by fostering agglomeration effects, economies of scale, improved education, technological innovation, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. Empirical studies on the relationship between urbanization and emissions present mixed results, consistent with the theory. To address heterogeneity in empirical studies, we performed a meta-analysis of 172 studies, generating 1,598 effect sizes. Based on the ambiguity in the empirical literature, our project will employ the tool of meta-analysis. First, to synthesize the urbanization-emission elasticity, thereby determining whether the overall effect is positive or negative. Second, we employ multivariate meta-analysis regression techniques to explain the underlying heterogeneity in empirical studies. Our FAT-PET analysis indicates the presence of publication bias in previous research, but we do not find an overall significant effect of urbanization on emissions. However, when we disaggregated the studies conducted for different regions, we found that urbanization decreases emissions in Latin America, while it has no significant impact in Africa, Asia, and the West.
About presenter (short bio)
Binyam Afewerk Demena is an Associate Professor of Development Economics at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. His research, grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focuses on international economics, environmental impacts, development, and health. Guided by three core principles, academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance, his work applies advanced econometric methods to generate innovative insights, aiming for both top-tier journal publications and practical contributions to pressing global challenges. Binyam’s research portfolio spans systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and impact evaluations using observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental approaches. His projects cover diverse topics such as solar energy adoption, environmental emissions, international trade, foreign direct investment, economic sanctions, public health, governance, and the formalization of informal firms. His work has been published in leading journals, including World Development, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Applied Energy, Land Use Policy, Environmental and Resource Economics, Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Labour Economics, Journal of Economic Surveys, AIDS Patient Care and STDs, Applied Economics, and Third World Quarterly.
About series
This seminar series is part of the E-PhD Program at National Economics University. It targets PhD students, early-career researchers, and senior faculty who find interested in doing research in the areas of economics, business, management, and other inter-disciplinary fields of social science. The series is a platform for the wider research community to exchange ideas, networks and collaborations.
