Do technological innovation and urbanization mitigate carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector?

While rapid urbanization does not have too much control to overcome air pollution caused by the transport sector, innovative technologies are paramount to mitigate global environmental problems. However, little attention has been paid to the pathways toward sustainable transportation. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the nexus between transport sector-based carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth, innovation, and urbanization. Furthermore, the study analyzes the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for the transport sector in a balanced panel data of 33 high-income countries from 1996 to 2014 using a robust and novel quantile methodology. Findings reveal the validity of an N-shape EKC curve for the transport sector. In addition, results show that urbanization upsurges while innovation mitigates transport-based carbon dioxide emissions. Among various other policy suggestions, the study recommends shifting to non-motorized vehicles and public transportation systems that foster transport efficiency and help to curb environmental degradation through green transportation.