Decomposition analysis of the pollution intensities in the case of the United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper examines the changes to pollution intensities (SO2, NOx, CO and CO2) of the United Kingdom, by using the Divisia index decomposition technique. The paper decomposes the drivers of the changes in pollution intensities into not only technology contribution and composition contribution but also into physical capital intensity contribution. This is because an increase in physical capital will lead to further use of energy and resources, which will further impact the environment. Compared to past studies, this paper extends the analysis to each industrial sector and includes more focused policy implications. The results find that the aggregate pollution intensity has declined during the period examined. As for SO2 and NOx, the technology effect was the largest contributor for the decline in aggregate pollution intensity, during a period where economic instruments such as pollution taxes were not yet effectively applied to combat environmental issues, but major environmental statutory frameworks to regulate air pollution were developed along with voluntary measures such as environment management systems. On the other hand, concerning CO and CO2 over the same time period observed, the contribution of technology effect for the aggregate intensity was small, compared with SO2, and NOx, which implies that economic instruments such as emission trading may be necessary for these pollutant.

Keywords

• decomposition analysis
• pollution intensities
• physical capital
• united kingdom