Explaining decoupling in high income countries : A structural decomposition analysis of the change in energy footprint from 1970 to 2009
The decoupling of energy use from economic growth is an essential element in the transition to a sustainable future. However, little is known about the long-term drivers of decoupling, especially considering the possibility that it is at least partially due to increased trade. This study uses structural decomposition analysis to examine the main factors that contribute to changes in the energy foo