Determinants of CO2 emissions in ASEAN: a quantitative research on the role of tourism

The study explores the factors affecting CO2 emissions in ASEAN countries in the period 2012-2017. OLS linear regression analysis method as well as REM model with panel data are used to analyse the relationship between factors affecting CO2 emissions. Research shows that GDP per capita, fossil fuel consumption, trade openness, total household spending, and tourism revenue exert a positive impact on CO2 emissions. However, the degree of the intensity of energy use and urbanisation have a negative effect on CO2 emissions. The latter factor reversely affects CO2 emission as well. In contrast to the intensity of energy use and urbanisation, tourism positively relates to CO2 emission due to the construction and operation of tourist attractions and accompanying goods and services serving tourists during their trips. In addition, the research team also proposed policies to reduce CO2 emissions for ASEAN countries.