Exploratory review of motorization, its impact on global warming and policy recommendations for developing countries

Existing literature related to global warming and motorization around the world is reviewed. Global warming is found to be a factual phenomenon, which could make human life in earth non-sustainable. Emissions originated by motor vehicles are a major contributor to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A quite comprehensive database of vehicle registration by year and country is used. This information and the WB database on indicators of national development are used to review first order relationships between motorization and these indicators of development. Correlation and linear regression analysis where performed in a country by country basis. A selection of countries was made to review their transportation policy practices and to consider these policies for potential application to developing countries. The concept of optimal level of vehicle ownership is presented. A final recommendation for a framework for transportation policy for developing countries is presented.