Mitigating Transport-Based CO 2 Emissions in Landlocked Countries: The Role of Economic Growth, Trade Openness, Freight Transportation and Renewable Energy Consumption

Oumayma Messaoudi (), Fedy Ouni and Kaies Samet
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Oumayma Messaoudi: Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3018, Tunisia
Fedy Ouni: Higher Institute of Transport and Logistics of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4023, Tunisia
Kaies Samet: Higher Institute of Industrial Management of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3021, Tunisia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-29

Abstract: The transportation sector plays a pivotal role in economic development but is also a major contributor to environmental degradation due to its reliance on fossil fuels. This study explores the relationship between transport-related CO 2 emissions, economic growth, road and rail freight transport, industry, trade openness, fossil fuel consumption, financial development, and renewable energy in ten landlocked countries from 1990 to 2022. Using panel cointegration tests and PMG-ARDL techniques, the findings reveal a bidirectional causality between CO 2 emissions, road freight, financial development, and industry. Road freight transport significantly boosts economic growth but also intensifies emissions, while renewable energy effectively mitigates transport-related CO 2 . The results emphasize the need for policymakers to balance economic advancement with sustainable energy and emission reduction strategies. Achieving economic-energy sustainability is essential for fostering a green and clean environment without compromising growth.

Keywords: environmental degradation; transport-related CO 2 emissions; renewable energy consumption; landlocked countries; PMG-ARDL (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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