Decoupling economic growth and CO2 emissions: a geopolitical comparison of the EU and GCC energy transitions

This study investigates the differing trajectories of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decoupling in the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 1990 to 2023. Using the Decoupling Consistency Index (DCI) in conjunction with the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition, we analyze the contributions of CO2, energy intensity, economic growth, and population to emissions changes across distinct periods. The results reveal that the EU has achieved absolute decoupling, driven by sustained reductions in energy and CO₂ that outweigh economic growth pressures. In contrast, the GCC exhibits partial decoupling, with efficiency gains often offset by rapid economic expansion and…

• SQ
  Sultan Qaboos University