ABSTRACT
This chapter studies the causal relationship, both conceptual and empirical, of urban spatial factors – drivers, parameters, indicators, etc. – to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, beyond the conventional or non-spatial parameters. Population, economy (GDP/affluence), technology or energy sources are the main non-spatial parameters or drivers that influence GHG emissions. Geophysical conditions, such as the location of a settlement and its latitude and longitude, affect its climate, which in turn influence its energy requirements for heating/cooling and lighting. Urban areas with regional, national or international significance are likely to have greater interlinkages and activities that cause GHG emissions – for instance, cities that are either road/railroad hubs, seaports and airports, or at intersection of highways, trade routes, shipping lanes or flight paths. Urban density influences the amount of energy used in private passenger transport, and therefore also has a significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
