Applying the STIRPAT model in a post-Fordist landscape: Can a traditional econometric model work at the local level?

Recent empirical investigations have illustrated the stochastic validity of the IPAT model. The preponderance of these studies shows that theoretical relationships of IPAT hold at large units of analysis. This research applies the stochastic transformation of the IPAT—STIRPAT—model in the southeastern US. Using county-level data, this research illustrates that population is a unit-elastic determinant of total carbon emissions. At the same time, various metrics of affluence present statistically mixed results for wealth as a determinant of environmental degradation. Other “sunbelt” technology variables designed to capture the effects of economic restructuring are significant, suggesting that post-Fordist geographies complicate the nature of the relationships in the identity model.

Research highlights
► In this research I apply the STIRPAT model at the county level.
► I find that population is a unit-elastic determinant of carbon emissions.
► Income and affluence present inconclusive results as determinants of carbon.
► Technology terms are also non-trivial drives of carbon at the local level.