Mobility, energy, and emissions in Cuba and Florida

In many ways Cuba and the USA state of Florida are similar; both comprise similar areas and sized populations, and until 45 years ago they were economically linked. Now, despite being physically close, in economic and political terms Cuba and Florida are worlds apart. Overall, while Florida has grown economically stronger over time, economic growth in Cuba has been far more constrained due to external pressures—most notably the economic blockade by the US and the collapse of the Soviet Block. This paper devises a range of indicators for both territories to explore how mobility, energy use and emissions might be influenced by socio-economic conditions. Specifically, it compares and contrasts how transport policies have developed in an environment with virtually no economic constraints, and a situation where strong constraints were in place.