Maritza Areli Velazquez Villalpando (p), Rubén Macias Acosta (p)

Arsène Perrot

The paper analyzes the impact of road infrastructure and freight capacity on regional divergence in Mexico. It highlights how the availability and quality of infrastructure influences economic development, trade connectivity and regional competitiveness. The research highlights that some regions, mainly in the center and north of the country, have logistical advantages that favor national and international trade, while others, especially in the south-southeast, face limitations despite having roads.
Previous studies on the relationship between infrastructure and economic development in Mexico and Latin America are reviewed, concluding that investment in infrastructure is key to growth, but not sufficient without an adequate logistics strategy. The methodology used is quantitative-descriptive and correlational, evaluating the extension and density of roads, freight transport capacity and industrial profile of each state.
The results indicate that infrastructure alone does not guarantee industrial development or trade integration. The need for public policies that promote the efficient use of existing infrastructure and new strategic investments to reduce regional inequality is emphasized. Finally, the potential of nearshoring in Mexico is highlighted, underlining the importance of adequately connecting development poles with centers of consumption and international trade.

Arsène Perrot (p)

Victor Chapuis

Italy's logistics network is expanding rapidly, fuelled by the growth of e-commerce and global supply chains, and going through important structural changes, from a highly fragmented sector characterised by SMEs specialising in basic services to a consolidated one with global players. This paper investigates the environmental consequences of this expansion, focusing on the impact of new logistical centres on PM10 concentration, a key indicator of air pollution. It explores the uneven origins and spatial distribution of these impacts, considering the role of different actors, including global and local companies, and the influence of location decisions and co-location with various industries.

The analysis leverages a Difference-in-Differences approach with staggered treatment and Instrumental Variable estimates, utilising data on land usage, employment, and air quality from Copernicus-ERA5. It also uses data from Orbis-Bureau Van Dijk to identify global actors, and a co-location index to understand the presence and influence of different actors.

This research aims to reveal potential trade-offs between economic development and environmental sustainability, highlighting the unequal distribution of costs and benefits associated with logistical infrastructure expansion. It sheds light on market failures and the complex interplay between political and policy rationales for development, individual consumer choices and their environmental consequences. By understanding the spatial distribution of these negative externalities, the study helps inform place-sensitive policy interventions aimed at mitigating the uneven environmental impacts of logistics.

Victor Chapuis (p)

Rita Bužinskienė

This paper examines the relationship between road traffic and the concentration of air pollutants in Paris over the period 2018 to 2024, with a specific focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM₁₀). We leverage high-quality data including air pollution measurements from atmospheric monitoring stations, and incorporate hourly traffic data, including flow and occupancy rates.

Our econometric approach employs a panel data framework using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to account for the dynamic nature of air pollution. Following Nishitateno et al. (2024), we build on their system GMM-based approach to develop our own methodology for identifying the causal impact of road traffic on air pollution.

A key aspect of our study is the impact of exogenous shocks on road traffic and their effects on pollution levels. We leverage exogenous shocks such as the Black Friday sales period and major strikes (e.g., December 2019–January 2020) to capture variations in traffic flows that allow us to isolate the causal impact of road traffic on pollution. This analysis provides insights into the broader consequences of consumer mobility patterns on urban air quality.

In the second stage of our research, we conduct policy scenario analyses focusing on modal shift strategies. We evaluate the potential environmental and social benefits of reducing freight vehicle dependency on internal combustion engines, focusing on light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). This assessment includes a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis incorporating factors such as noise pollution, congestion reduction, and air quality improvements. To quantify the health impacts of air pollution reductions, we assess the economic burden of pollution-related chronic diseases, particularly respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. We then estimate the potential economic gains from reducing these health burdens through urban transport policies aimed at mitigating pollution.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce traffic-induced pollution and improve public health outcomes in metropolitan areas.

Rita Bužinskienė (p)

Ruben Macias

The transport sector represents a major contributor to CO₂ emissions in Lithuania, posing a significant challenge to the nation’s ability to fulfill its climate commitments. Over the past decade, emissions from the sector have exhibited a marked increase, primarily driven by an aging vehicle fleet, a continued reliance on fossil fuels, and a growing demand for road transportation. Despite the implementation of various policy measures, including the promotion of electric vehicles, the enhancement of public transport infrastructure, and the introduction of carbon taxation, progress in reducing emissions has been relatively limited.
The primary aim of this study is to analyze historical emission trends, identify the principal factors influencing these emissions, and evaluate the effectiveness of current mitigation policies. The research utilizes publicly accessible data from national and international sources, such as the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency, Eurostat, and the European Environment Agency. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative trend analysis with a qualitative examination of relevant policy frameworks and advancements in green technology.
The findings highlight key challenges impeding emission reductions, including infrastructural limitations, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and slow societal adoption of sustainable transport solutions. Based on these insights, the study proposes targeted strategies to enhance mitigation efforts. These include accelerating the transition to sustainable transport systems through increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles, fostering innovation in green mobility technologies, and reinforcing regulatory frameworks to ensure effective policy implementation.
This research emphasizes the critical importance of addressing emissions from the transport sector to achieve Lithuania’s climate objectives and contribute to broader sustainability goals. By providing a comprehensive analysis of emission trends and policy impacts, the study offers actionable recommendations to guide future strategies in fostering a low-carbon transport sector.