Iin Shabrina Hilal, Ghalieb Mutig Idroes

Top Global Concrete-Producing Countries: A Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Concrete Production, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Growth

Introduction

Top global concrete-producing countries: a hierarchical cluster analysis of concrete production, co2 emissions, and economic growth. Analyze top concrete producers, CO2 emissions, and economic growth via hierarchical cluster analysis. Uncover global production trends and sustainability challenges across diverse economies.

Abstract

Concrete production plays a vital role in infrastructure and economic development, yet it remains one of the most significant sources of global CO2 emissions. This study focuses on the top 10 concrete-producing countries, using variables such as concrete production (CP), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and gross domestic product (GDP) as a proxy for economic growth. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we categorize the countries into three distinct groups based on the combined metrics. Cluster 1 includes developing and transitional economies such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam, which exhibit moderate levels of CP and GDP alongside relatively low CO2 per capita. Cluster 2, represented by China and Saudi Arabia, demonstrates high levels of CP and CO2, coupled with moderate to high GDP, reflecting intensive industrial activity and rapid development. Cluster 3, which includes only the United States, is characterized by high GDP, moderate CP, and persistently high CO2, indicating a stable developed economy that maintains its prosperity through infrastructure upkeep rather than rapid growth. The findings reveal how these three indicators interact across different stages of development and emphasize the importance of tailored sustainability strategies.

Review

The paper "Top Global Concrete-Producing Countries: A Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Concrete Production, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Growth" presents a timely and relevant investigation into the complex interrelationships between concrete production, its environmental impact, and economic development. By focusing on the top 10 global concrete-producing nations, the authors employ hierarchical cluster analysis to provide a structured understanding of how these critical variables interact across diverse national contexts. This approach offers a valuable contribution to the literature by moving beyond aggregate global statistics to identify distinct patterns among leading industrial economies. A key strength of this study lies in its clear methodological application and the insightful categorization of countries. The selection of Concrete Production (CP), CO2 emissions, and GDP as primary variables is appropriate, capturing the essential dimensions of the problem. The resulting three clusters effectively differentiate nations based on their developmental stage and industrial characteristics. Cluster 1 aptly groups developing economies with moderate concrete use and lower per capita emissions, while Cluster 2 highlights the intensive industrialization of nations like China and Saudi Arabia. Cluster 3, isolating the United States, provides a compelling contrast, illustrating how a mature economy maintains its infrastructure with substantial, albeit stable, environmental impact. This granular analysis provides a robust framework for understanding national specificities. The findings of this study are highly significant, underscoring the necessity for differentiated and tailored sustainability strategies. The clear distinction between the clusters demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing concrete-related CO2 emissions would be ineffective. For instance, strategies for Cluster 1 might focus on sustainable growth paths, while Cluster 2 requires immediate attention to decarbonization technologies and efficiency improvements in rapid development contexts. For Cluster 3, the emphasis could be on advanced materials and circular economy principles for existing infrastructure. This research thus offers crucial insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between economic prosperity and environmental responsibility in the global concrete sector.

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