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The relationship between energy utilization and the environment is crucial in an era of environmental concerns by global economies and rising energy consumption. Emerging economies such as Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (hereafter, MINT) face complex trade‐offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Strengthening this study are the UN Sustainable Development Goals prepositions on access to clean and alternative energy, decent economic growth, responsible production and consumption and climate action (UN‐SDGs‐7, 8, 12, and 13). The present study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for MINT economies within the framework of the load capacity factor (LCF). The article leverages panel econometrics to operationalize the relationship between study variables. Empirical findings show that the present study fails to confirm the presence of EKC. Thus, it implies that the MINT economies are at their first stage of accelerated economic growth which might result in an augmented ecological footprint and exert pressure on natural resources, as indicated by the observed negative outcome. Furthermore, there is a positive and significant relationship between renewable energy consumption (RENENG) and LCF. It implies that a 1% increase in RENENG leads to an increase in LCF of 0.70%. These outcomes indicate that the level of RENENG in MINT economies is not sufficient to mitigate climate change issues. Thus, from a policy perspective, there is a need for change in the MINT nations' energy portfolio mix, such as the need to switch from conventional energy sources (fossil fuels) to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, photovoltaic and hydropower, which usually have a smaller negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, there is a need for investment in new and green energy technologies in the countries investigated to arrive at a clean and better ecosystem as desired. More insight is outlined in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Kyoto protocol and the United Nations Sustainable development goals (UNSDGs) on climate action (SDG-13), there has been a need across economies for transition from fossil-fuel-based energy sources such as coal energy consumption to cleaner energy options i.e., a transition to a low-carbon economy. To this end, the present study explores the asymmetric relationship between coal energy consumption, economic growth, rising urban population and emission level in South Africa. The present study span is conducted on an annual frequency basis from 1965-2018. This study applies the novel Non-linear Autoregressive distributed lag methodology (NARDL) for the highlighted variables. Empirical results validate the asymmetric relationship between the variables under review over the study period. The NARDL regression further shows positive shock by GDP increases CO2 emission level while negative impact affects otherwise in the long run. On the other hand, coal consumption positive shock exhibits a detrimental impact on environmental quality in South Africa. This is insightful for policymakers. The urban population shows non-significant effect on emission levels over the sampled period. The knowledge of both positive and negative shock effects of GDP, coal energy consumption and urban growth is vital for policy construction in terms of both economic and environmental sustainability. Thus, policy prescription ranges from energy transition to alternative and cleaner energy sources like renewables and responsible energy consumption (SDG-12) should be pursued in South Africa. More far-reaching environmental policies are highlighted in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study corroborates the importance of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG‐7), intended to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy for all, and SDG‐8, designed to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth. This article is motivated by the highlighted SDGs and empirically explores the long‐run and causality relationship between energy consumption, urbanization, trade openness, and economic growth for annual frequency data from 1965 to 2021 for the case of Mexico. To this end, we leverage the use of fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares, and canonical regression estimation methods, while for the direction of causality, the gradual shift and wavelet coherence methods are used. According to the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), the bounds test traces a long‐run relationship between the outlined variables over the sampled period. Empirical evidence validates the energy‐induced growth hypothesis. This result resonates with the causality analysis, where energy consumption drives economic growth one way in Mexico. This suggests that Mexico cannot embark on energy‐conservative policies, as such actions will hurt economic progress. In addition, unidirectional causality is seen between urbanization, trade openness, and economic growth. These findings have far‐reaching implications for economic growth and macroeconomic indicators in Mexico. More insights are highlighted in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative energy has been hailed as a feasible resolution to the environmental degradation and energy problems that have plagued Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) recently. The expansion of the clean energy sector, on the other hand, relies on economic growth, effective governance, and financial considerations. As a result, it is important to investigate the links between these variables in SSA. This study investigated the influence of economic growth, institutional quality, foreign direct investment (FDI), and financial development on renewable energy at the national threshold in SSA using a two-step difference GMM model based on panel data collected from 2002 to 2019. The outcome shows that economic growth and all three financial development indicators (FD1, FD2 and FD3) have a positive significant relationship with renewable energy. Furthermore, for SSA countries, FDI, as well as all six proxy factors for institutional quality, had a negative significant influence on renewable energy. Our empirical findings propose a variety of policies that might help the renewable energy sector grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the explosive behavior and Granger causality episodes in manufacturing job postings in the United States (JOBPUS) and COVID-19-induced uncertainty (COVIDEMV). This study applied the novel unit root tests with explosive behavior, and the novel time-varying Granger causality test for a sample period ranging from 1 January 2020 to 29 July 2022. Further, this study used date stamping to identify the subperiods of the explosive behavior and causality. The findings revealed that JOBPUS exhibits explosive behavior, with several episodes of exuberance (bubbles) across the sample period while COVIDEMV does not exhibit explosivity during the period. However, the results of the causality provide evidence of bidirectional causality, with several episodes between the variables. Moreover, the episodes of the explosivity and causality coincide with significant episodes in the history of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide and in the United States particularly, such as the date when United States recorded a COVID-19-related death toll of over 100,000 people for the first time, after the presidential election, after Halloween celebrations, after the discovery and administration of COVID-19 vaccines as well as the discovery of the Delta and the Omicron variants of COVID-19. Therefore, the time-series characteristics of JOBPUS and its causal nexus with COVIDEMV largely depend on the intensity of the instability caused by the pandemics. Hence, explosivity and time-varying causal behavior should necessarily be accounted for when modelling the job market conditions in the United States, particularly during pandemic-related crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study draws motivation from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on SDGs 7 and 13, which highlight the need for access to clean and affordable energy in an environment devoid of emissions; it addresses climate change mitigation in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. To this end, a carbon-income function setting for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is constructed. The dynamic relationship between financial development and climate change is evaluated using three indicators and foreign direct investment and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), while accounting for regulatory institutional quality using a "generalized method of a moment" estimation technique that addresses both heterogeneous cross-sectional issues. Empirical results obtained showed a positive statistical relationship between economic growth and CO2 emissions in SSA at the <0.01 significance level. This suggests that, in SSA, the economic growth path is pollutant emissions driven. This indicates that SSA is still at the scale phase of her growth trajectory. However, an important finding from the present study is that regulatory institutional indicators, such as political stability, government effectiveness, control of corruption, and voice and accountability, all exert a negative effect on CO2 emissions. This implies that regulatory measures militate against emissions in SSA. Based on the empirical findings of this study, it can be concluded that clean FDI inflows assist in ameliorating emissions. Thus, the need for a paradigm shift to cleaner technologies, such as renewables, that are more eco-friendly, is encouraged in Sub-Saharan Africa, as the current study demonstrates the mitigating role of renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions. Further policy prescriptions are presented in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following global debate on clean and responsible access to energy (electricity), access to recreation (tourism), technological innovation, and economic growth for sustainable development as captured by the Human Development Index (HDI), the present study is motivated by the inconclusive guidance found in the literature on technology, tourism industry, and energy. This study adopts the Pedroni residual cointegration test to investigate the cointegration properties of the variables under consideration, while the mean group (MG), dynamic fixed effect (DFE), and the pooled mean group (PMG) estimators are employed for simultaneous short‐ and long‐run analysis. The study is based on annual frequency data from 1995 to 2016 with the adoption of panel analysis to show that technological innovation, tourism development, and access to electricity affected the HDI significantly in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) over the investigated study period. This is instructive for policymakers, as the highlighted sectors are good predictors of sustainable development. Furthermore, consolidating the results that tourism development, electricity access, and technological innovation improves economic development. On the other hand, the growth‐induced, HDI‐fitted model reflects the importance of the examined variables in the sustainable development agenda of the continent. For instance, a 1% increase in tourism increases economic growth by 0.0195%. Similarly, a 1% increase in access to electricity and technological development increases economic growth by 0.0019% and 0.0009%, respectively. In conclusion, this study highlights the multifaceted merits that can be gleaned from access to electricity, tourism, and technological innovation in SSA, as they improve economic growth and HDI indicators that comprise life expectancy, quality education, and per capita income level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of different agricultural subsectors to economic growth in Nigeria is investigated and further suggests policy implications for investing in each of these subsectors. To this end, Johansen cointegration test and Gregory–Hansen test for cointegration with regime shift, vector error correction model (VECM), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), Granger causality, and frequency domain causality test are employed for data from 1981 to 2016. This paper further highlights the long and causal dynamics between the selected agricultural subsector, namely forestry, crop production, fishery and livestock, and economic growth. Findings from time and frequency domain causality tests indicate a one‐way causality running from various subsectors of agriculture to economic growth in Nigeria, meaning how various subsectors of agriculture are important for predicting economic growth. In addition, there is 54% speed of adjustment from the error correction model, suggesting a need for diversification of the economy into the agricultural sector as a means for sustainable economic growth in the face of the continuous plunge in the global oil price. In the long‐run, the effect of forestry, crop production, and fishery on economic growth is statistically significant and positive. These outcomes have inherent policy implication(s), which are elucidated in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are ample studies that document the tourism‐led growth for single countries and/or a specific region. The nexus on international tourist arrival‐induced pollutant emissions and energy consumption has been ongoing in the related literature. This is pertinent, given its inherent implications for environmental sustainability. This study explores the growth impact of international tourist arrivals on quality of the environment in terms of a causality relationship for 16 selected Mediterranean countries by a multivariate framework; this is based on tourism‐led growth and the tourism‐induced pollutant emissions model for annual data from 1995 to 2014. Our model, therefore, explores the dynamic causal links between tourism, growth, energy, and the environment. We employ the panel causality technique (Emirmahmutoglu and Kose 2011) that allows for heterogeneity and correlations across cross‐sections. The data shows correlation among international tourism, economic growth, energy consumption, and pollutant emission. The findings from the causality analysis support the evidence on tourism‐induced pollutant emissions and energy consumption as well as the validity of the tourism‐led growth hypothesis. The findings also suggest that international tourism is a catalyst for energy consumption and economic growth, which translates into pollutant emissions, implying insightful policy prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments worldwide have prioritized carbon reduction and neutrality to address the escalating threat of climate change. These goals are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG-13). These goals stress taking action on climate change to lessen the bad effects of human activities and using fossil fuels for energy. To this end, the present study investigates the connection between conventional energy usage, agricultural practices, economic growth, and their impact on environmental sustainability in South Africa. Additionally, it explores the role of renewable energy consumption and environmental technological innovation in mitigating these effects. To achieve the study objectives, a carbon-income function is fitted with an annual frequency data from 1975 to 2020. The present study leverages on Pesaran's Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method and for robustness analysis the dynamic ARDL simulations method to simultaneously explore the short and long-run coefficients of the study's outlined variables. Empirical analysis, confirmed by bounds testing for cointegration, reveals a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables considered. Notably, economic growth, fossil fuel energy consumption, and agricultural activities have adverse effects on environmental sustainability in South Africa, indicating a trade-off between economic growth and environmental quality. Dynamic ARDL simulations provide further evidence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) phenomenon. However, renewable energy consumption and environmental technological innovation positively influence environmental quality. These findings highlight the imperative for South Africa and its stakeholders to adopt green growth policies and transition to cleaner energy alternatives. • This study explored nexus between environmental pollution, economic growth, and environmental technological innovation in South Africa • Utilisation of Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimators were employed • Agricultural activities dampens environmental sustainability in South Africa • Green growth policies should be pursued in South Africa energy mix [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, physical-capital investment has been outweighed by research and development expenditure in terms of their growth impact. However, how such expenditure affect economic expansion in the presence of energy consumption is yet to be given thorough attention in the literature. Consequently, this study used data from 1997 to 2015 for 16 EU countries to demonstrate how expenditure on research and development drives growth in the presence of renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption. Empirical results from the Pool Mean Group Autoregressive distributive lag model (PMG-ARDL) revealed that in the short run, investment in research and development adversely affect growth prospect in the EU. However, in the long run, research-led growth is evident alongside energy consumption, although the latter outweighs the former. Additionally, result from Dumitrescu and Hurlin Panel Causality tests showed a feedback causality between energy consumption, research and expenditure and economic growth. The findings of this study make it essential for EU countries to boost spending on renewable energy sources. Additionally, EU countries should pay closer attention to investment in research and development in order to sustain the plan for long term advancement in sustainable power sources for feasible energy and economic development. Image 1 • Economic impact of R&D and energy consumption in EU is examined. • Physical-capital investment outperforms R&D expenditure. • Energy consumption affect economic growth than the effect of R&D in the long run. • Increased renewable energy development in the EU is encouraged. • More investment in research and development by the EU states should be sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the nature of interconnectedness between the returns of the price of oil and foreign exchange on selected agricultural commodity prices. To do this, the authors leverage the novel methodology of a spillover index developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) that reports predictive directional measurement of volatility spillovers. International Journal of Forecasting 28, no. 1: 57–66) that reports: (i) Net spillovers; (ii) Directional spillovers; (iii) Pairwise net spillovers; and (iv) Total spillover indices. This study also captures all secular and cyclical movements with the aid of rolling window analysis to ensure the robustness of the estimations. Empirical analyses are constructed based on monthly realised frequency data from 2006M1 to 2016M7. The empirical analysis from the full sample size shows that rice, sorghum, price inflation, a nominal effective exchange rate and oil price display weak pass-through among the investigated variables while banana, cocoa, groundnut, maize, soybean and wheat are net transmitters of spillover. Based on these revelations, several policy prescriptions for the agricultural commodity markets and their diverse responses to either exchange rate fluctuations or a dwindling oil price are suggested for Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study empirically explores the linkage between urbanization and deforestation while controlling for the role of energy consumption, trade openness, and economic growth within recent data from 1971 to 2015. To do this, we employed the vector error correction‐Granger causality approach and Pesaran's autoregressive distributed lag cointegration technique. The Bayer–Hanck cointegration test establishes an equilibrium relationship among the variables. Results reveal that economic growth, energy consumption, and urbanization have a significant impact on deforestation in Nigeria, thereby reducing the quality of the environment. Short‐ and long‐run unidirectional casualty flows from urbanization to deforestation. Therefore, policies for reducing deforestation and enhancing environmental sustainability for growth and development were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving environmental sustainability while mitigating climate change and its impact has become a global effort. This paper offers a new perspective on the kg oil equivalent per capita energy consumed and real income per capita level nexus for South Africa while controlling for the effect of ecological footprint. Using a time series data from 1973 to 2014, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributive Lag model and Toda-Yamamoto procedure for testing Granger causality. Empirical results revealed the significant role of kg oil equivalent per capita energy usage and real output per capita level towards environmental quality or degradation in South Africa. A 1% increase in kg of oil equivalent per capita energy consumed and real income per capita led to 0.167% decrease and 0.172% increase in environmental quality in the short-run. A 1% increase in kg of oil equivalent per capita energy consumed and real income per capita led to 0.542% decrease and 0.558% increase in environmental quality in the long-run. On the direction of predictive relationship, empirical results showed unidirectional causality running from environmental quality to real income per capita, from kg oil equivalent per capita of energy consumed to environmental quality and from kg oil equivalent per capita of energy consumed to real income per capita. Results indicated that environmental pollution in South Africa is not output driven but depends on the unit of kg oil equivalent per capita energy produced and consumed. Depending on the direction of causality between the variables, the policy implication can be examined from the perspective of economic performance, energy saving, and environmental sustainability in the long-run. Unlabelled Image • Energy and income level play a major role in achieving environmental quality. • There is unidirectional causality from energy consumption to income level. • We found environmental quality driven by energy rather than economic development. • Environmental policies with growth objectives improve environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation has become the central theme for many policy initiatives, as such, the European Union (EU) member countries are working assiduously to achieve the emission targets. To provide policy direction in achieving the emission targets, this study investigated the drivers essential to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals in regards to reducing environmental pollution in EU member countries. A balanced panel of 16-EU countries from 1997 to 2014 was estimated with Panel Pool Mean Group Autoregressive distributive lag (PMG-ARDL) model. The study traced the equilibrium relationship between ecological footprint, real gross domestic product, trade openness, fertility rate, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption — suggested by both Kao and Pedroni cointegration tests. The PMG-ARDL analysis confirmed the role of non-renewable energy consumption in depleting environmental quality while renewable energy consumption was found to improve environmental sustainability. Interestingly, the unexpected long-run fertility-ecological footprint nexus was connected with the divergent fertility rate information of the EU member countries. Although, country-specific policy approach is essential, however, such a framework should be compatible with the region's overall Sustainable Development Goals. The call for diversification of existing energy portfolios by either incorporating or enhancing renewable energy technologies is essential to sustain the current success strides of most member states. Thus, the EU needs to strengthen its commitments to achieving the emission targets by decarbonizing and sustaining its economic growth trajectory. Unlabelled Image • We investigated the drivers that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in EU member countries • Panel Pool Mean Group Autoregressive distributive lag model was employed in the study • 1% increase in real GDP increases environmental quality by 0.81% in the long-run • Renewable energy consumption was found to improve environmental sustainability • Diversification of the energy mix with renewables is essential to reducing pollution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The study investigates the long-run and causal interaction between, renewable energy consumption, nonrenewable energy consumption, and economic growth in a carbon function. The current study incorporates natural resources rent to the model as an additional variable. Empirical evidence is based on a balanced panel data between annual periods of 1996–2014 for selected EU-16 countries. The Kao test reveals a cointegration between carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth, natural resources rent, renewable, and nonrenewable energy consumption. The Panel Pooled Mean Group-Autoregressive Auto regressive distributive lag model (PMG-ARDL) suggests a positive significant relationship between the countries' natural resource rent and CO 2 emissions in the long-run. Implying that the overdependence on natural resource rent affects environmental sustainability of the panel countries if conservation and management options are ignored. Our study affirms that nonrenewable energy consumption and economic growth increase carbon emission flaring while renewable energy consumption declines CO 2 emissions. The panel causality analysis reveals a feedback mechanism between economic growth, renewable, and nonrenewable energy consumption. We further observed a feedback causality between natural resources rent and economic growth. Effective policy implications could be drawn toward modern and environmentally friendly energy sources, especially in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Renewable energy consumption improves environmental quality in 16 EU countries. • Feedback causality observed between natural resources rent and economic growth. • Long-term risk of natural resource rent affecting environmental sustainability. • Economic growth influences carbon dioxide emissions in EU-16 countries. • Fossil fuels exert more distortion on environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study explores the energy use and economic growth nexus from 1960 to 2016 in South Africa while accounting for capital, labour, and carbon dioxide emissions. We applied Bayer and Hanck (2013) combined co-integration approach, Pesaran et al. (2001) bounds test and Kripfganz and Schneider (2018) critical values and approximate p -values. The empirical evidence finds support for a long-run equilibrium relationship among investigated variables. The Granger causality test indicates one-way causality from energy use to economic growth, validating the energy-led growth hypothesis. Our study found an inverted U-shaped pattern between energy use and economic growth in the long run. This finding suggests that at a higher level of economic development there is less intensification of energy consumption, hence, signifying a decline in energy intensity while validating energy efficiency in South Africa. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A unidirectional causality is observed from energy consumption to CO 2 emissions. • The results validate the energy-induced growth hypothesis in South Africa • Economic growth and carbon dioxide emission exhibits an inverse relationship. • Decoupling economic growth from energy use needed to achieve energy efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 outbreak has left an indelible effect on Bangladesh's agriculture sector, like that of most developing countries. Considering that agriculture is the cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, we made an effort to compile a detailed scenario of COVID‐19's effect on it through a relevant literature review. Since no significant studies outlined a complete picture of the pandemic's impact on agriculture, our study ventured to reveal the circumstances of each sub‐sector of agriculture. During the early phases of the pandemic, farmers engaged in agriculture production got poor prices, with the majority of them incurring losses. Labor shortages and input scarcity were the most prevailing hindrances across all the sub‐sectors. The export volume seemed to shrink hugely, hurting the country's GDP. The supply chain for agricultural commodities was disrupted as a result of the lockdown and mobility restrictions, which resulted in the elimination of the majority of intermediaries. Unprecedented challenges occurred in the input and output markets, as well as in the agro‐industries, exacerbating the situation. However, while the vegetables and poultry sub‐sectors recovered utterly and the dairy sub‐sector somehow managed to stabilize, other sub‐sectors are still grieving. This study highlighted some policies that can mitigate the miseries of the agriculture sector and overcome further potential threats in Bangladesh and other agriculture‐led developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovation and its paradigm, that is, the Fourth Industrial Revolution-4IR, have shown strong impact on income levels of adopters across the globe. To this end, this analysis examines the impact of bank funding and institutional quality on technological advancement. This study adds additional variables such as high-technology exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) as control variable. Our study period spans from 2000 to 2018 on an annual frequency for E7 economies (Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, India, Turkey, Russia, and China). This study leverages on cross-sectional ARDL, Augmented Mean Group (AMG), and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group Estimates (CCEMG) estimation techniques to examine long-run relationship between the outlined variables. Empirical findings show that institution quality, bank finance, income, high-technology exports, and foreign direct investments exert a positive effect on advancements in technology. Furthermore, the interaction between bank finance and institution quality on technological advancement is also positive and statistically significant. Based on the findings, it is concluded that large-scale funding is crucial for businesses to leverage revolutionary technology. Likewise, access to large capital sources if made easier encourages technology affordance as well as innovation and operational excellence. Thus, economies with established legal and financial systems stand to offer businesses such security, which encourages business innovation. Consequently, E7 economies ought to improve their financial and legal systems to boost financial security, creativity, and competitiveness of businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the asymmetric effects of energy consumption, car ownership and tourism activities on CO2 emissions in the UK. Empirical results from the Non-Linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model reveal that in the UK, only car ownership has asymmetric effects on emissions with a magnitude of −1.428% (positive) and 10.108% (negative) shocks that highlight the impact of car ownership on emission level in UK while rising energy consumption and GDP have symmetric positive impacts on emissions, and tourism has a negative impact on emissions. Furthermore, on causality analysis, we found a unidirectional causality runs from GDP per capita to car ownership, and that car ownership and tourism both causes energy consumption in a one-way relationship. Apart from encouraging environmentally friendly energy sources to reduce carbon emission in the UK, the short and long-run analyses disclose that economic expansion and energy consumption increase carbon emission. Empirical results also offer a new perspective on the ascending relevance of electric cars in UK. Hence, only policies that discourage the use of carbon emission inputs in the process of production should be encouraged. Electric vehicles seem to be more efficient when compared to combustion engines because most energy put in the battery is used to drive the cars and wastes less energy when they are driven in cities. This can be achieved by increasing tariffs and decreasing quotas on internal combustion-powered cars. Subsequently, promote and increase usage of electric vehicles that reduce greenhouses [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the applicability of conventional environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) with an extension for the case of emerging industrialized economies, comprised of China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, and Turkey, for annual time frequency from 1995 to 2016. This study is distinct from that already documented in the extant literature by extending the traditional EKC phenomenon by accounting for the combined impact of institutional quality and renewables in E7 blocs. The countries under review are known to be emerging and still at their scale stage of their growth path. As such, the need to explore the theme is pertinent for stakeholders. Empirical framework is built on second-generational panel econometrics strategies that consist of Augmented Mean Group, Common Correlated Effects Mean Group estimator, Driscoll-Kraay and Dumitrescu and Hurlin Causality analysis, which is superior to first-generation methods. Our study validates the EKC phenomenon in E7, i.e., where emphasis is placed on economic expansion relative to the quality of the environment. The EKC phenomenon is validated by the deteriorating effect of fossil-fuel energy consumption in the bloc. However, renewables are seen as a panacea to reduce pollution emission as renewable energy exerts a negative and statistical relationship with CO 2 emission over the sampled period. Additional results show that weak institution also dampens the quality of the environment in E7. These outcomes are suggestive to policy makers to reinforce their commitment to the quality of the environment in terms of growth and energy transition from fossil fuel to clean energy sources. Further policy prescriptions are presented in the concluding section. • We explore the impacts combined impact of institutional quality and renewables on the environmental quality in E7 economies. • We applied a battery of second-generation panel econometrics methods. • EKC phenomenon is validated in E7 bloc. • Weak institutions dampen the environmental quality of the E7 economies. • Renewables shows strong evidence to improve the quality of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for economic development has preoccupied policymakers over the years. Especially the global south such as Nigeria, which is plagued with infrastructural deficit and less foreign direct investment and financial development attraction. This has drawn the attention of stakeholders and government officials for exploration of alternative routes for sustainable development, which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals‐8 (UNSDG's). Thus, the current study focuses on the FDI‐led economic growth hypothesis if it holds or not for the case of Nigeria. The present study is distinct from previous studies in terms of scope by incorporation of more covariates, which has seemed to have been overlooked in the FDI argument. To this end, the current study re‐investigates the connection between FDI, financial development, total labour force, gross capital formation, and economic growth using Nigeria as a representation for Africa and Sub‐Saharan states specifically. Annual time‐series data from 1970 to 2018 is adopted for the econometrics analysis. Our study interest variables are foreign direct investment, economic expansion (GDP). The present study inculcates two additional financial development indicators; from the banking, and financial sectors. Using a battery of unit root and stationarity tests the study explores the stationarity properties of the outlined variables. Subsequently, the novel and recent robust Bayer and Hanck (2013) combined cointegration test in conjunction with Pesaran's ARDL bounds test was used to investigate the equilibrium relationship and regression analysis. While the Toda‐Yamamoto Granger causality was used to detect the direction of causality analysis among the variables. Empirical investigation traces a long‐run equilibrium relationship among the variables over the sampled period. Furthermore, empirical results show that FDI influences GDP, which suggests that FDI influences economic growth which is indicative of policymakers. Similarly, empirical outcomes establish a significant relationship between GDP and Financial Development from banking‐sector which is also corroborated in the causality results as an indirect causality is seen running from GCF to the financial sector. These outcomes suggest that FDI and Financial development are good predictors for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. All aforementioned results have its inherent policy implications which are elucidated in the concluding remark of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concern over climate change mitigation has heightened the search for low-carbon, affordable, and non-intermittent energy alternatives. In this perspective, hydropower, thermal, solar, photovoltaic, and nuclear energy sources fit all these qualities as they are well-known as cleaner and ecosystem-friendly energy sources. However, despite the attractiveness of the clean energy transition, the extant literature has less documentation on the pertinent role of nuclear energy in the "climate change mitigation (SDG-13)" agenda, hence making it difficult to predict nuclear energy-CO 2 emissions (CO 2 e) nexus. Hence, the present study, using IPAT and the "environmental Kuznets curve (EKC)" framework, explores the consequences of nuclear energy generation, population dynamics, and economic progress on CO 2 e in the "United States of America (USA)" by applying a "dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DARDL)" model from 1973 to 2021. The study provides evidence the existence of the EKC phenomena, suggesting that economic expansion hurts the environment up to a specific threshold level of per capita income, which is identified as US$ 29,581.16. Further empirical findings also show the detrimental effect of population-induced-emission. Remarkably, a 1% rise in nuclear energy generation dwindles CO 2 e by around 0.819%. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that economic growth level, population, and CO 2 emission are entangled. However, there is a need for a collective role from both stakeholders and policymakers in achieving "SDG-13" as well as "clean and affordable energy (SDG-7)" with a paradigm shift of the USA energy portfolio away from fossil fuels to renewables. • The nexus between nuclear energy-population-CO 2 emissions is investigated for USA. • We applied dynamic ARDL simulations model. • Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis prevails in USA. • Nuclear energy generation dampens the effect of CO 2 emission. • The population induced-emission in both the short- and long-run is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although technological innovation plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development and environmental sustainability, there are few studies in the existing literature that address this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between technological innovation (TI), renewable energy consumption (REC), natural resource rent (NRR) and ecological footprint (EF) of E-7 countries (i.e. Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkiye) from 1992 to 2018 in order to ensure environmental sustainability in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Analysis was performed using the ARDL estimator, robustness test and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality (DHC) test. Long-term empirical estimates from the PMG-ARDL technique have shown that a 1 % increase in TI and REC reduces EF by 0.064 % and 0.234 %, respectively, i.e. increases environmental sustainability. At this point, it is possible to say that TI and REC contribute to the achievement of SDG-7 and 13 in E-7 countries while NRR and real income (GDP) were found to impede the achievement of SDG-7 and 13 in E-7 countries through an increase in EF. The results were confirmed using robustness techniques. In the DHC test results, while there is a unidirectional causality from TI to EF, from EF to NRR and trade openness, a bidirectional causality was found between GDP and EF. This study suggests that policymakers should focus on introducing environmentally friendly equipment to reduce environmental degradation, increase the share of RECs and focus on sustainable development within the framework of the SDGs. • We explore nexus between technological innovation affect the ecological footprint in E-7 economies. • Adoption of second-generational panel econometrics techniques. • Technological innovation and renewable energy consumption help in mitigating climate change. • Green growth policies should be pursued in E7 energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Economic Complexity Index, Japan was the number 1 most complex economy in the world. In addition to complexity, Japan pledges to reduce emissions by boosting cleaner energy sources. This study simulates two policies to highlight a path for Japan in achieving this ambitious energy and environmental target. The novel dynamic autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) model and Kernel-based regularized least squares (KRLS) are adopted over panel data from 1970 to 2018. Empirical evidence from the ARDL and dynamic ARDL models shows that CO2 emissions have a significant long-term relationship with GDP per capita, renewable energy, and economic complexity index while air transport is significant in the short run. Putting it more elaborately, a unit increase in GDP per capita increase the emission by 0.84%–0.96% in the long run and 0.46%–0.48% in the short run. As regards renewable energy, a unit increase in it decrease the carbon emission by 0.07% and 0.04% in the long-run and short-run respectively. Also, an increase in the economic index diminished the emission by 0.81% in the long run. Moreover, economic complexity moderates the role of GDP in environmental degradation as it also has a significant impact on carbon emission. • A -26% policy simulation of clean or unclean energy sources can both abate emissions. • Economic Complexity moderates the impact of economic growth on CO2 emissions. • A template for energy policy design is presented. • CO2 emissions have a significant long-term relationship with GDP per capita, renewable energy and ECI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current health pandemic that has plagued the global of which the global south‐Nigeria is not insulated from is the premise for this empirical investigation. The present study relies on recent annual time‐series data to conceptualize the hypothesized claim via Pesaran's Autoregressive distributed lag techniques. Empirical findings from the bounds test traces the long‐run relationship between public health expenditure and economic growth over the study span. However, unlike previous studies, we introduce life expectancy and death rates in the model framework. Although health expenditure is not significant, empirical results show that a 1% increase in life expectancy and death rate increases and decreases economic growth by 3.85 and 1.84%, respectively. This suggests the need for Health Policymakers in Nigeria to implement active strategies that reduce the death rate, which is a blueprint for active engagement in the face of a global pandemic such as COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper sheds light on the causality linkages between economic growth and energy production, that is, natural gas, bioenergy and waste, coal, nuclear, petroleum, wind, solar and hydro for the United Kingdom over the period 1998Q1 to 2017Q4. To this end, we apply time‐domain causality tests—Toda‐Yamamoto causality test and gradual shift causality test, and frequency domain causality (FDC) test for empirical analysis to sort out the causality among the outlined variables under consideration. Empirical findings from the spectral BC causality test reveal that (a) changes in energy production from natural gas and petroleum spur significant changes in economic growth in the United Kingdom; (b) economic growth causes energy production from natural gas, petroleum, wind, solar, hydro and nuclear and (c) it is worthy of mentioning that time and FDC tests provide consistent outcomes at different significance and frequency levels. On the causality analysis, the hypothesis that natural gas triggers economic growth is valid, while the result also reveals a feedback causality the variables of concern. Similarly, economic growth drives nuclear energy production one‐way as well as total energy drives economic growth. These results provide policy implications for energy and environmental sustainability in the United Kingdom where renewable energy sources drive economic growth. Thus, necessitates the need to maintain the current trajectory for more renewable energy promotion in energy mix relative to fossil‐fuel energy sources. Highlights: Economic impact is revisited for the United Kingdom over the period 1998Q1 to 2017Q4.Toda‐Yamamoto, gradual shift and frequency domain causality tests were employed.Distinct roles of natural gas, fossil, nuclear and mix of renewables were explored.Changes in natural gas and petroleum significantly spur economic growth.Frequency domain causality tests offer consistent time and frequency changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally we are at a crossroad whereby energy production and consumption in themselves is partly blamed for climate change issues and global warming menace. The question that comes to heart is do we stop seeking energy production and consumption? of course no. Thus, there is a need for innovation on part of economies as they seek energy for sustainable development. This country-specific study focuses on South African, which reflects the above highlights menace in no small measure where her economic growth trajectory is plagued with high CO 2 emission. To this end, we explore the nexus between coal energy consumption, economic growth, renewable energy consumption and CO 2 emission between annual periods of 1980–2017. This study applied a battery of econometric techniques to underscore the relationship between the outlined variables. According to the ARDL bounds test to cointegration in conjunction with Kripfganz and Schneider (2018) critical approximation p-values both affirm long-run equilibrium relationship between study variables. Empirical evidence gives credence to the growth-induced pollution emission in South Africa as reported by the Autoregressive distributed lag Method, fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares as robustness test for soundness of analysis. This finding suggests that South Africa's economic growth trajectory is not clean. This preposition is resonated with the result of coal energy consumption also dampening environmental quality. Financial development shows strong statistical strength to improve the quality of the environment. These outcomes are indicative for policymakers as there is urgent need to energy transition from conventional energy based on fossil fuel (coal energy) to renewable energy mix which is more environmentally friendly should be pursued in South Africa. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following universal debate for energy sources and sustainable development across the globe, with its far‐reaching implications on the environment, this crusade aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs). The study variables are based on the SDGs‐7, 8, and 13 that highlights access to clean energy, sustainable economic growth and mitigation of climate change issues. Awareness of environmental sustainability has received much consideration because of the hazards associated with climate change issues in recent times. Studies on environmental quality and pollution emissions (CO2) are becoming increasingly interesting. It is reported that human activities and increasing economic issues resolve environmental‐related challenges. In the light of this, we assess how employment moderates energy consumption and climate change for G7 countries. We utilise panel co‐integration and long‐run regression using dynamic ordinary and fully modified ordinary least squares to institute the magnitude of long‐run elasticity among the outlined variables. Panel heterogeneous techniques are used to detect the direction of causality for the annual data from 1990 to 2016. The empirical result shows a clear significant correlation between variables and the long‐run relationship between pollutant releases and energy utilisation, employment and real output. The study finds an inverse relationship between trade and pollutant emissions, thus suggesting that openness trade mitigates against environmental degradation in the sampled blocs. The causality analysis reveals a bidirectional causality between emissions and employment and a unidirectional causality between emissions, real GDP, energy utilisation and trade. These results have far‐reaching outcomes on environmental fronts and economic growth highlighted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity remains the most important form of end-use energy consumption and an important factor for economic growth and development. However, electricity generation also constitutes a great source of concern for global warming and climate change with threats to sustainable development as fossil fuels dominate electricity generation fuel mix for most economies of the world. This is exactly the case for Italy with fossil fuels dominating electricity generation fuel mix over the last couple of decades. Thus, there is a need to reverse this trend by increasing the shares of renewable energy sources in the fuel mix. This study, therefore, investigates the potentials for renewable energy sources of hydropower and solar energy to substitute the fossil fuels of coal and natural gas in electricity generation for Italy. Adopting the ridge regression procedure to obtain the parameter estimates, the results provide evidence that substitution is possible among all fuels. While both hydropower and solar energy are found to be substitutable for the fossil fuels, solar energy is found to provide more substitutability than hydropower. This implies that Italy has the potential to gradually move away from the carbon-intensive fossil fuels of coal and gas to more environmental-friendly solar energy and hydropower in the process of generating electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this present study is to assess the causal link between nuclear energy consumption and economic growth in the United Kingdom using Toda Yamamoto causality and wavelet coherence tests with the objective of responding to the following questions: (a) Does consumption of nuclear energy lead to economic growth in the United Kingdom and/or does economic growth lead to the consumption of nuclear energy sources in the United Kingdom, and (b) if so, why? The findings from wavelet coherence reveal that changes in economic growth lead to changes in nuclear energy consumption in the United Kingdom at different frequencies, especially in the long‐run, and in different periods between 1998 and 2017. In addition, there is a positive correlation between nuclear energy consumption and economic growth between 2002 and 2006 in the short‐run. In this study, we also check the consistency of the findings from wavelet coherence which is confirmed by the outcomes of Toda Yamamoto causality test. Therefore, the present study is likely to attract great interest from the policy‐makers and researchers in this field. At the same time, it is likely to start a new debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth comes with it environmental trade-off on environmental sustainability. This occurrence is evidence on a global scale as it stems from human anthropogenic activities driven by the consumption of energy sources from fossil-fuel origin. On this premise, the present study focuses on five fragile economies with huge energy and sustainability targets to explore the nexus between economic growth and the environment. The present study is distinct from previous studies in scope by the construct and inclusion of a financial inclusion index with the aid of Principal component analysis (PCA), human development to the economic growth-environment argument. To this end to reach evidence-based outcomes second generational panel analysis is employed. The Durbin-Hansen cointegration test traces the long-run equilibrium relationship between the study variables. Subsequently, an augmented mean group (AMG) estimator is employed to explore the relationship between the outlined variables. Furthermore, the present study finds support for the pollution haven hypothesis for the selected fragile economies. The plausible explanation is due to weak trade and environmental treaties in the examined countries. However, the renewable energy human development index help mitigates environmental degradation. Thus, the present study advocates the need for energy transition and investment into new technological innovation in research and development to attain sustainable development goals and environmental sustainability resonated in UNSDGs-11,12 and 13. Additionally, financial inclusion plays a vital role in the five fragile energy-environment mixes. The current study presents vital policy directives in the concluding section for individual countries and the entire bloc for more effective policy direction. • We explore nexus between sustainability amidst financial inclusion in five fragile economies. • Utilization of robust second-generation estimators were employed. • Our study found finds support for the pollution haven hypothesis. • Renewable energy human development index help mitigates environmental degradation. • Green growth policies should be pursued in five fragile economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between energy efficiency and production- and-consumption based carbon emissions by assessing the impact of population size, income, and clean energy on the carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions function. Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM-QR) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are applied to observe long-term associations between the variables, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin (DH) Ganger causality test is used to identify the direction of causality. Findings reveal that, across all specifications, energy intensity and population size have positive (increasing) impact on both estimates of CO 2 emissions while renewable energy use has a negatively significant impact and stronger on consumption-based estimates. The presence of an inverted U-shaped curve in the relationship between per capita income and CO 2 emissions, as predicted by the Environment Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis, only exists when CO 2 emissions are calculated based on production pattern. Further empirical analysis based on DH causality tests show a bidirectional causality between energy intensity and production-based CO 2 emissions, population size and consumption-based CO 2 emissions, per capita income and consumption-based CO 2 emissions, and energy intensity and renewable energy use. In addition, a unidirectional causality runs from per capita income to production-based CO 2 emissions, and from energy intensity and renewable energy use to consumption-based CO 2 emissions. This analysis outlines a paradigm for the formulation of a green development strategy in developing economies via energy and environmental resources. • This study explore nexus between energy efficiency and carbon emissions Production-based. • Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM-QR) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are used. • Validity of inverted U-shaped curve in the relationship GDP and production-based CO 2. • Bidirectional causality exists between energy intensity and production-based carbon emissions. • Green growth policies should be pursued in the developing energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the symmetric (linear) and asymmetric (nonlinear) impact of economic growth (EG), capital formation (CF), renewable and non-renewable energy (NRE) consumption on CO 2 emissions and ecological footprint (EF) of seventeen OECD countries spanning data from 1970 to 2016. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is used to examine the symmetric impact and the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model is employed to explore the asymmetric impact of the variables on the environment. The results indicate that economic growth and gross capital formation dampens environmental quality in the OECD region over the sampled period. Our estimation using the ARDL model shows that a 1% increase in renewable energy (RE) is projected to reduce CO 2 emission by 0.2% and a 1% increase in NRE is estimated to increase CO 2 emission by 1.08%. Similarly, a 1% rise in EG and NRE is expected to increase ecological footprint (EF) by 0.10% and 0.53%, respectively. Estimation using NARDL decomposed EG with positive (negative) shocks shows that a 1% increase (decrease) in EG is expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by 0.4% (0.16%). Similarly, 1% positive (negative) shock in RE is expected to decrease CO 2 emission by 0.5%. The findings indicate that conventional energy obtained from fossil fuels is observed to worsen the environment. Interestingly, renewable energy consumption enhances environmental quality for both fitted models with CO 2 emission and ecological footprint. This is insightful for stakeholders and government administrators in the region. This demonstrates the importance of a paradigm shift towards renewable energy consumption in the OECD countries to improve economic growth and productive capital stock. This finding also aligns with the non-linear investigation of the pivotal role of renewable energy consumption for a cleaner environment. • This study examines the symmetric (linear) and asymmetric (nonlinear) impact of Economic Growth, Capital Formation, Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy consumption on the CO 2 emissions and Ecological footprint of seventeen OECD countries spanning the data from 1970 to 2016. • The estimation of the study using the ARDL model shows that 1% increase in renewable energy (RE) is projected to reduce CO2 emission by 0.2%: and 1% increase in NRE is estimated to increase CO2 emission by 1.08%. Similarly, 1% rise in EG and NRE is expected to increase ecological footprint (EF) by 0.10% and 0.53%, respectively. • Estimation using NARDL decomposed EG with positive (negative) shocks shows that 1% increase (decrease) in EG is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 0.4% (0.16%). Similarly, 1% positive (negative) shocks in RE is expected to decrease CO 2 emission by 0.5%. • The results show that economic growth and gross capital formation dampens environmental quality in the OECD region over the sampled period. • This study suggests the need for a paradigm shift to renewable energy consumption in the OECD for a better economic growth trajectory and productive capital stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oil and natural gas are crucial to the Russian economy. Therefore, this study examined the interconnections between crude oil price, natural gas price, and Russian economic policy uncertainty (EPU) over the period 1994–2019 using multivariate DCC-MGARCH models. The findings show that there are strong interconnections (co-movement) between the energy prices and EPU in Russia, and that it might be misleading to assume independence or neutrality between the variables. Although Russia is also a crucial player in both the natural gas and the crude oil markets, this study reveals that there is a stronger co-movement of the EPU with gas price than with the oil price. Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas and the second-largest producer; it is plausible that the natural gas price correlates with EPU more than the crude oil price. Further, the correlation between gas price and EPU and the correlation between crude oil price and EPU have similar patterns. Each declines almost in the same period and, equally, increases concurrently. In addition, the results revealed that significant global shocks and crises, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2014–2017 Russian financial crisis, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and the Russo–Ukrainian conflicts, influence the interconnections between the energy prices and Russian EPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study is motivated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) that concerns pertinent issues that comprises environmental sustainability (SDG‐13), sustainable development (SGD‐8), and responsible consumption (SDG‐11), among others. To this end, this study examines the long‐run and causality linkage between renewable and non‐renewable energy, foreign direct investment, and economic globalisation in a carbon‐income framework by use of both carbon dioxide emission and ecological footprint as a determinant for environmental degradation for E7 countries. Furthermore, a series of panel econometrics panel tests in conjunction with quantile regression is used to explore the relationship between the outlined variables for annual frequency data from 1990 to 2016. Empirical results trace a long‐run equilibrium relationship among the highlighted variables as reported by Westerlund (2007). Additionally, this study gives credence and validates the pollution haven for the emerging (E7) countries examined, thus, implying the detrimental effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on quality of environment in E7 economies. Interestingly, we observe that investment in renewable energy consumption will improve environmental quality. This outcome resonates with the advocacy of UN‐SDGs‐7, 11, 12, and 13, where emphasis is placed on responsible energy consumption (renewables), access to clean energy, and climate change mitigation. Conclusively, these revelations suggest the chase for adoption of low‐carbon development technologies and strategies in E7 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the fact that the connection between exports of goods and services and economic growth has for quite some time been talked about, the examination of the relationship in light of recent global events such as economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks is yet to be given the required attention. Various empirical researches have demonstrated that the export‐led growth hypothesis (ELGH) holds for singular nations in terms of overall economic development. However, this study re‐examines the ELGH with a special focus on the absolute and mediating impact of economic policy uncertainties and geopolitical risks. With data spanning the period 1980 to 2018. Empirical results from the Autoregressive distributed lag model and the error correction models suggest that for Malaysia, Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) exerts a negative impact on growth evens as its moderating impact on exports leads to negative economic growth. On the other hand, the impact of Geopolitical risk on growth is both negative and positive but insignificant in the short‐run and long‐run respectively. The study suggests the government of Malaysia works to ensure macroeconomic and political stability to achieve export‐driven growth in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of low-carbon energy and trade on the environment has drawn several studies that have looked at issues from different perspectives, thus yielding differing conclusions. Considering the current emphasis on the COP25 conference and the commitment to cut down carbon emissions level, this study also draws strength from the United Nations Sustainable development Goals (UNSDGs) that comprises of positive strides for access to clean and responsible energy consumption (SDGs 7, 12) and climate change mitigation issues (SDG-13). To this end, this study is a timely outlook that underpins the case of the European Union (EU) countries as well as the root cause of anthropogenic activities on clean trajectory of global environment. Hence, we investigate the connection between alternative and sustainable energy source, trade, income and emissions in 27 selected European Union economies by utilizing data covering the period 1990–2017 on an annual frequency. We used second-generation panel model estimators to analyze the relationship between the variables in the long-run. Specifically, the long run results from the MG (Mean Group), AMG (Augmented Mean Group), and CCEMG (Common Correlated Effects Mean Group) estimators reveal that sustainable and alternative energy sources have a negative significant impact on pollutant emissions while trade and income have a positive impact on carbon emissions except that the impact of trade is insignificant. Although the positive impact of openness in trade on carbon emission is insignificant, the positive impact suggests that the free-trade policy that is currently in place in the EU should further incorporate sustainable development goals (SDGs) to avoid the outsourcing of carbon emissions among the member countries. Causality tests reveal a feedback hypothesis between renewable energy, income, trade, and carbon emanations. The investigation proposes expanded utilization of sustainable power source to mitigate carbon emissions in the European Union. • Outlook of EU-27 alternative energy and regional trade. • The panel techniques of common correlated effect is employed. • Alternative energy utilization in the regional bloc aids. • Regional trade policy in the EU could posit environmental hardship. • Real income growth in the region hampers environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China intends to develop its renewable energy sector in order to cut down on its pollution levels. Concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies are expected to play a key role in this agenda. This study evaluated the technical and economic performance of a 100 MW solar tower CSP in Tibet, China, under different heat transfer fluids (HTF), i.e., Salt (60% NaNO3 40% KNO3) or HTF A, and Salt (46.5% LiF 11.5% NaF 42% KF) or HTF B under two different power cycles, namely supercritical CO2 and Rankine. Results from the study suggest that the Rankine power cycle with HTF A and B recorded capacity factors (CF) of 39% and 40.3%, respectively. The sCO2 power cycle also recorded CFs of 41% and 39.4% for HTF A and HTF B, respectively. A total of 359 GWh of energy was generated by the sCO2 system with HTF B, whereas the sCO2 system with HTF A generated a total of 345 GWh in the first year. The Rankine system with HTF A generated a total of 341 GWh, while the system with B as its HTF produced a total of 353 GWh of electricity in year one. Electricity to grid mainly occurred between 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout the year. According to the results, the highest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) (real) of 0.1668 USD/kWh was recorded under the Rankine cycle with HTF A. The lowest LCOE (real) of 0.1586 USD/kWh was obtained under the sCO2 cycle with HTF B. In general, all scenarios were economically viable at the study area; however, the sCO2 proved to be more economically feasible according to the simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study focuses on the need for responsible and clean energy consumption, climate change mitigation, and sustainable economic growth. To this end, the study investigates the connection between biomass energy consumption, real GDP, investment in the energy sector, and CO2 emissions in the emerging (E7) countries – China, India, Brazil, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Indonesia and Turkey – for the period 2000–2018. The study uses a battery of techniques, namely Pooled Mean Group‐autoregressive distributed lag, ordinary least square, dynamic ordinary least square, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (PMG‐ARDL, OLS, DOLS FMOLS) and causality estimators, to measure the robustness of the conceptualized relationship among the variables of interest. Empirical results show that conventional energy from fossil fuel sources is a driver of CO2 emissions within the E7 economies. On the other hand, biomass energy consumption and investments in the energy sector decrease CO2 emissions. Furthermore, a feedback causality relationship between biomass energy consumption and CO2 emissions is observed. Similarly, a feedback causality relationship is seen between economic growth and biomass energy consumption. Our study's empirical findings reveal that biomass energy consumption mitigated CO2 emissions in the E7 economies that were examined, suggesting the pivotal role for biomass energy consumption in creating an eco‐friendly environment and environmental sustainability. This requires investment from the private sector, stakeholders, and government administrators in cleaner energy technologies initiatives like biomass. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation for this study stems from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) and their impact by 2030. The UN highlights 17 SDGs that address pertinent local and global issues, one of which—SDG‐10—has been devoted to reducing inequality. This study investigates the nexus between trade openness, foreign direct investment (FDI), and income inequality in sub‐Saharan Africa using panel data from 2000 to 2015 and the generalized method of moment (GMM) technique approach. The findings show that FDI and income have a negative, statistically significant relationship with income inequality, signifying that as FDI and income per capita increase, the level of income inequality decreases. However, trade openness, education, political stability, corruption, and rule of law have a positive, statistically significant relationship with inequality. This study, therefore, offers some recommendations that will help policymakers. First, develop good policies to attract more foreign investors, which will contribute to creating employment opportunities in the region. Second, create more infrastructures to provide good quality education. Third, implement a good policy to motivate local production which will contribute to creating jobs. Fourth, build a strong institution(s) to fight against corruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the incorporation of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Empowerment Theory into a robust construct within a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). Utilizing a cross-sectional survey approach, the study focuses on selected rural communities of Northern Ghana. The research encompasses 613 respondents, with an initial pilot study involving 80 participants. The study yields notable findings, establishing statistically significant and positive correlations between empowerment and attitude within the rural Ghanaian context. Furthermore, it identifies a significant influence of purchase intention on the propensity to recommend renewable energy technologies among rural households. These outcomes align with the principles of the Empowerment Theory and are in congruence with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), particularly SDG-7 (universal access to energy) and SDG-12 (responsible production and consumption). The study's implications extend to policy recommendations, specifically tailored to the unique energy landscape of Ghana. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of renewable energy proliferation dynamics and emphasize their crucial role in advancing sustainable development objectives and fostering responsible energy practices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) that address pertinent global issues. This study focuses on the need for access to clean and affordable energy consumption, responsible energy consumption, sustainable economic growth, and climate change mitigation. To this end, this paper evaluates the relevance of the renewable energy sector on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain for the period 1995–2015. As an econometric strategy, we adopt the use of panel data over the highlighted countries. In the first step, we apply the unit root test recommended by Levin, Lin, and Chu in conjunction with ADF-Fisher, and Phillips-Perron for robustness and consistency. We found that the variables used in this study are integrated I (1) in the first difference. In the second step, we apply the Pedroni cointegration test, and Kao Residual cointegration test, and we observe that the variables are cointegrated in the long run. The generalized least squares (GLS), the panel fully modified least squares (FMOLS), ordinary least squares robust (OLS), and panel quantile regression are considered in this research. The econometric results validate the assumption of the environmental Kuznets curve, i.e., and there is a positive correlation between income per capita and a negative effect of squared income per capita on carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, we observe that renewable energy reduces CO2 emissions. Finally, we also find a direct connection between the urban population and the environmental degradation in the examined blocs. These results show that in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain, more is required to achieve environmental sustainability in the respective countries growth trajectory. Further policy prescriptions are appended in the concluding section of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology is disrupting bringing up a better innovation and strengthening the healthcare services. Telehealth is one of these services. Telehealth can help in times of emergency situations as well as reducing morbidity caused by other diseases other than coronavirus and also constraining its spread as well as sustaining the country's economic development. Although, telehealth is a disruptive innovation, this article aimed to point out why Africa and rest of the world need telehealth to structure out the management of the three phases of health crises (pre, during and post-crises) that must be address to help in economic sustainability, increase accessibility to healthcare and increase in quality of life which in turn reduces costs and easy access to healthcare services either incommunicable, non-communicable, or disastrous situations in the African region. In fighting an outbreak such as this, our study finds that the government of African nations should guarantee all health experts get fitting instruction and preparing; present telehealth accreditation for wellbeing experts; give subsidizing which satisfactorily takes care of the expense of giving telehealth; overhaul clinical models of care; bolster all partners with a viable correspondence; and finally, change the board technique while setting up frameworks to oversee telehealth benefits on a standard premise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using annual data from 1985 to 2016, the study conducts a robust panel stationarity analysis by accounting for cross‐sectional dependency, sharp breaks and gradual structural shifts for per capita Gross Domestic Product (PCGDP) of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries. The empirical finding reveals that PCGDP at different Fourier frequency and model structure (trend or constant) for both CEE and CIS countries are unit root process. Moreover, the PCGDP of CEE and CIS countries are nonmean reverting in the presence of cross‐sectional dependence and gradual structural shifts which previous studies using well‐known panel stationarity estimators fail to find. Policy insights are highlighted in the conclusion section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent exacerbation of unemployment crisis in Nigeria stands to be a serious threat to both socio‐economic stability and progress of the country just as the report from the Bureau of Statistics shows that at least over 8.5 million people had no gainful employment at all as at the last quarter of the year 2017. It is on the above premise, that the present study explores the link between trade and unemployment for the case of Nigeria with the intention of exploring how the unemployment crisis has been impacted within the dynamics of the country's trade performance. The empirical evidence shows that the nation's terms of trade were insignificant to unemployment rate, while trade openness and domestic investment, on the other hand, have significant opposing impacts on unemployment in Nigeria over the period of the study. Further breakdowns from the empirical analysis also revealed that the Philips curves proposition is valid within the Nigerian economic context, while the evidences for the validity of Okun's law only exist in the short‐run scenario. Based on the empirical results, we recommend that concerted effort should be geared toward stimulating domestic investment by providing adequate financial and infrastructural facilities that will promote ease of doing business while utmost precautions are taken to ensure that unemployment crisis is not exacerbated when combating inflation in the economy in the wake of dynamic trade relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that the European Union-28 countries proposed a target of 3% of the Gross Domestic Product on research and development (R&D) expenditure by 2020, the current study attempts to examine the role of R&D on environmental sustainability. In addition, the study further investigates the long-run and causal interaction between, renewable energy consumption, nonrenewable energy consumption, and economic growth in an ecological footprint-income function. Notably, the study incorporates research and development (R&D) expenditure to the model as an additional variable, and measures impact of each variable on ecological footprint. Empirical evidence is based on a balanced panel data between annual periods of 1997–2014 for selected EU-16 countries. The Pedroni, Johansen Multivariate and Kao tests all reveal a cointegration between ecological footprint, economic growth, research and development expenditure, renewable, and nonrenewable energy consumption. The Fully Modified and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares models (FMOLS and DOLS) both suggest a negative significant relationship between the countries' research and development expenditure and ecological footprint in the long-run. This implies that spending on R&D significantly impacts on environmental sustainability of the panel countries. Our study affirms that nonrenewable energy consumption and economic growth increase carbon emission flaring while renewable energy consumption declines ecological footprint. The panel causality analysis reveals a feedback mechanism between ecological footprint, R&D expenditure, renewable, and nonrenewable energy consumption. We further observed a one-way causality between ecological footprint and economic growth. The current further validates that the Environmental Kuznet Curve Hypothesis (EKC) holds for this panel of EU countries examined. Effective policy implications could be drawn toward modern and environmentally friendly energy sources, especially in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals via spending on R&D. Unlabelled Image • The determinant of environmental sustainability in EU countries is examined. • R &D improves environmental sustainability in EU. • The Inverted U-Shaped (EKC-hypothesis) pattern is affirmed for the EU Countries. • Renewable energy consumption enhances cleaner ecosystem. • Energy portfolio diversification in EU is more urgently necessary than ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming issues have been on the front burner of most economies and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa countries (BRICS) are no exception. The region has joined the rest of the world on the global strides to mitigate against global warming in terms of decoupling carbon dioxide emissions from economic growth. This is the motivation for the present study to consider the interaction between economic growth, pollutant emissions, coal rent while accounting for the role of other covariates like regulatory quality. The study is conducted in a balanced panel setting over annual frequency data from 1990 to 2014. To this end, Pooled mean group with dynamic autoregressive distributed lag [PMG-ARDL (1,1,1,1,1)] was conducted to explore the coal-rents-energy nexus. The empirical study shows that for BRICS countries, unlike coal consumption, coal rents have a significant but negative impact on CO 2 emissions. Also, in contrast to expectation, regulations on coal rents in form of carbon damage costs have a significant but positive impact on CO 2 emissions. This suggest that in line with the drive for growth by BRICS countries, and to achieve a reduction in the levels of CO 2 emissions for green growth and sustainable development, more stringent environmental-energy-related regulations are inevitable. Thus, for policymakers it is vital to reinforce the use of stringent regulations as these economies opens up to more use of coal energy. However, the need to shift, the energy mix in BRICS to renewables is pertinent in a time of global environmental consciousness for cleaner energy sources and environmentally friendly ecosystem. Unlabelled Image • BRICS economies were investigated on coal rent, economic growth and CO 2 emissions. • Unlike coal consumption, an increase in coal rents does not increase CO 2 emissions in BRICS countries. • Energy diversification in BRICS economies can abate global dwindling energy market. • Environmental sustainability is achieved by decoupling CO 2 from GDP in BRICS economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in consumption and the increase in the use of resources linked to increasing human activity puts both energy security and sustainability at risk, which has led to a global restructuring of the policy agenda to ensure and integrate environmental well-being through channels such as energy efficiency (EE). Bearing this in mind, the objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between energy efficiency, renewable energy and financial development? For this reason, an analysis is conducted, which includes energy intensity measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per unit of energy use as a measure of efficiency for 43 European countries (period 1990–2019). The objective is to observewhether the use of renewable energy and the investments being made are driving economies towards higher EE and sustainable economic growth. The present study leverages on spatial econometrics models, which allow for the analysis of spillovers between economies. The results obtained allow us to observe the existence of spatial autocorrelation of EE between countries in Europe. Secondly, it is observed that the use of renewable energies promotes EE in neighbouring economies, as well as in the return effect. On the other hand, financial development shows that only the institutional component favours EE by generating a return effect on the economy itself, while the stock market component deteriorates the EE of neighbouring economies and on the same economy. Therefore, the analyzed data shows that the use of renewable energies promotes the improvement of EE and that being close to countries that replace the use of traditional energies with alternative sources has a positive effect on national EE. These mechanisms would allow policy makers to develop mechanisms for greener and more sustainable development, while encouraging efficient energy use. • The indirect effects of the nexus of renewable energy and financial development on energy efficiency for the EU bloc are explored. • The present study explores the use of robust Spatial Durbin Model (SDM). • Renewable energies promote energy efficiency in neighbouring economies. • Financial development shows that only the institutional component favours energy efficiency. • Green growth policies should be pursued in EU bloc energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) is one of the strongest, but most complex unions in the world with a competitive tourism industry. The aim of this study, therefore, is to account for economic complexity index (ECI), Brexit and other crisis episodes in the growth-energy-emissions nexus. Theoretically, the traditional Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model is assessed by adopting a One-step System Generalized Method of Moment (Sys GMM) on data for 26 EU member states over the period from 1995 to 2018. For the first time, an EU-macro regional analysis is conducted with and without the UK. Empirical results reveal that an increase in tourism, real GDP per capita, and energy use across the four EU macro regions leads to increase in carbon emission. In some regions, it was observed that tourism, ECI, Brexit, and the Greece bailout have no significant impact on carbon emission. This suggests that the increase in international travel, complexity of the economy, and financial crisis do not accelerate environmental crisis in such regions. However, where such factors are statistically significant, Brexit and the Greece bailout crisis both heighten emissions. Particularly, when the UK is excluded, Brexit and the Greece bailout crisis increase and reduce emissions, respectively. The EKC hypothesis, however, holds in either scenario. Based on these empirical findings, vital policy directions are suggested for a post-Brexit EU-UK energy and environmental relations. • We examined ECI, Brexit and other crisis episodes in the growth-energy-emissions nexus. • An increase in tourism, real GDP per capita, and energy use lead to increase in carbon emission. • In some regions, tourism, ECI, Brexit, and the Greece bailout have no significant impact on carbon emission. • When the UK is excluded, Brexit and the Greece bailout crisis increase and reduce emissions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]