Government Policies and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Comparative Analysis of High-and Low-Income Nations in the Context of the Paris Agreement

Abstract

This comparative study investigates the role of government policies in determining the disparities in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in four countries with varying economic statuses and policy approaches—Poland and Estonia from Eastern Europe, and Ethiopia and Nepal from the Global South. Despite similarities in geographic and economic contexts, these nations exhibit stark contrasts in emissions outcomes. By analyzing data from 2015, the year of the Paris Agreement’s adoption, this study underscores the pivotal role of governmental strategies, including energy policy, renewable energy adoption, and climate governance, in shaping national emissions profiles. The findings demonstrate that while international agreements like the Paris Agreement can catalyze action, the effectiveness of these agreements is contingent on the strength of domestic policies, political will, and the existing energy infrastructure. The analysis concludes that robust, well-enforced policies—particularly those fostering renewable energy adoption and integrated climate strategies—are essential in achieving substantial emissions reductions.