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Most national and international climate agendas promote energy efficiency and fossil to renewable energy substitution as key future policy directions. This paper surveys macro-energy-emission-output panel assessments and shows that previously estimated carbon response functions present diverging shapes with less evidence on the confounding role of development. This study applies a multivariate regression equation and both Pesaran (1995) and Pesaran (2006) mean group estimators with common correlated effects to illustrative samples of countries with data covering five decades. For all groups, long-run panel coefficients show that energy efficiency improvements associate with larger negative carbon responses than fossil-to-renewable energy shifts. Estimates derived from high-income economies are much smaller in magnitude and significance compared to those of developing countries, which is further corroborated by country-level parameters. This implies that least-energy efficient and -green economies can benefit from a wider set of carbon abatement policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the developing nations are moving towards attaining the sustainable energy future, the reliance on renewable energy solutions is rising. Therefore, the dependence on traditional fossil fuel-based solutions is getting reduced, and this might have an impact on the energy market commodities. Analyzing this impact might divulge several insights regarding the portfolio decisions, in presence of the transformations in developmental trajectory. In this study, we analyze the cross-quantile dependence of the returns on the energy market commodities and the market returns for Indian financial market over July 31, 2008 to March 31, 2020. For this purpose, we adopt a novel three-stage methodology comprising Dynamic Conditional Correlation GARCH, Cross-quantilogram, and Wavelet Coherence-based models. We find that the market returns have negative effect on returns on the energy market commodities. This impact has been found to be asymmetric in nature. Moreover, the moderating impact of policy uncertainty has been analyzed has been analyzed through partial cross-quantilogram approach, and the outcome shows that the impact remains same under extreme market conditions. The findings have significant portfolio decisions in an energy transition context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the global economies are in pursuit of achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, it has become pertinent to undergo an energy transition and enhance energy use efficiency in tandem. This is creating a disparity in the renewable energy generation, which is arising out the structural transformation of the economies. Against this background this study aims to assess the impacts of structural transformation on inequality in renewable energy productivity across selected OECD countries between 1990 and 2019. This study is important from the perspective that due to inequitable economic growth trajectory attained by the OECD nations, the renewable energy consumption levels of the OECD nations display significant amount of disparity which can also be reflected in terms of unequal distribution of renewable energy productivity across these countries. Besides, since the OECD countries are gradually transforming their economies from being agriculture-oriented to service-oriented and are becoming more focused on energy innovation and energy efficiency aspects, it can be hypothesized that this structural transformation might reduce the inequality in renewable energy productivity among these nations. Using second-generation methods and dynamic elasticity analysis, this study finds that structural transformation helps to reduce the inequality in renewable energy productivity. Besides, technological innovation is also evidenced to exert inequality-reduction effects. In contrast, conflicts and economic conflicts are evidenced to generated adverse effects on inequality in renewable energy productivity within the OECD countries. Furthermore, the outcomes from this study have also identified the policy interventions responsible for the aggravation of inequality in renewable energy productivity. Based on these findings, a policy framework has been provided to help the OECD countries to attain the objectives of SDG 7 and SDG13. • Structural transformation impacts inequality in renewable energy productivity. • Study is done for the OECD countries. • Dynamic elasticity analysis is used. • Policy framework to address SDG 7 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of corruption in public sector on carbon emissions in presence of energy use segregation, following the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. The study has been carried out for Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) and Next 11 countries over the period of 1990–2017. Along with the finding of inverted N-shaped EKC for both the cases, we find that incidents of corruption enhance environmental degradation by reducing the positive impact of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality, and increasing the negative impact of fossil fuel consumption. This study has also divulged that the corruptive practices are more prone in case of the countries, where the development is mature and institutionalization is more stringent. Based on these findings, we suggest that environmental policies should take account of the corruption, and thereby, making the policies more robust and effective. Image 1 • We analyse impact of public sector corruption on carbon emissions. • We seggregated the energy sources into renewable and nonrenewable. • Study is done for BRICS and Next 11 countries over 1990–2017. • We found inverted N-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curves. • We found public sector corruption to enhance environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a survey of the empirical literature on environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) estimation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the period of 1991–2017.Design/methodology/approach This survey categorizes the studies on the basis of power of income in empirical models of EKC. It has been hypothesized that the EKC shows an inverted U-shaped association between economic growth and CO2 emissions.Findings For all the contexts, the results of EKC estimation for CO2 emissions are inconclusive in nature. The reasons behind this discrepancy can be attributed to the choice of contexts, time period, explanatory variables, and methodological adaptation.Research limitations/implications The future studies in this context should not only consider new set of variables (e.g. corruption index, social indicators, political scenario, energy research and development expenditures, foreign capital inflows, happiness, population education structure, public investment toward alternate energy exploration, etc.), but also the data set should be refined, so that the EKC estimation issues raised by Stern (2004) can be addressed.Originality/value By far, no study in the literature of ecological economics has focused on the empirical estimation of EKC for CO2 emissions. This particular context has been used for this study, as CO2 is one of the highest studied pollutants in the ecological economics, and especially within the EKC hypothesis framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies on the causal relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions have shown divergence in policy recommendations, which arises mainly due to the choice of methodology and the period of study. This inconclusiveness in policy prescriptions might turn out to be critical, when the renewable energy policies of the developing nations are considered. Our study analyses the causal relationship between economic growth, carbon emissions, fossil fuel and renewable energy consumption in Next 11 countries during the period of 1990–2016. Along with conducting parametric and non-parametric causality tests together, introducing the Geweke (1982) causality test in the literature of energy economics, we attempt to establish a wholesome aspect of policy design, by comparing and complementing results of different causality analysis, and how the causality directions should comply with the context setting. Our empirical evidence confirms that robust renewable energy policy can be designed by complementing the various causality test results, rather than focusing on one particular causality test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sluggish progress concerning SDG-9 and SDG 13 has made South Asia an epicentre of household and ambient greenhouse gases emissions. Furthermore, the regional progress concerning attainment of SDG-3 is considerably low. The major research objectives are twofold. First, to explore the impact of GHGs emissions from agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing sector on disaggregated life expectancy. Second, to examine the mitigating impact of renewable energy use, trade integration, and human capital development for practice policy recommendations. These research objectives are realized by employing recently advanced cross-sectional auto regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model on panel data of five South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2019. The estimation outcome reveals that the emissions from transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors significantly deteriorate healthy life expectancy of male and female healthy life expectancy in South Asia with different intensity. Especially, we find that long-run impact of GHG is more profound on male healthy life expectancy than female life expectancy. The result further shows that renewable energy and human capital substantially improve healthy life expectancy, whereas the effects of trade integration are insignificant. The finding of moderating variables shows that renewable energy, human capital development, and trade integration have high potential to reduce GHGs emissions. The findings of this study urge South Asia for investments in human capital development and renewable energy along with fostering regional integration to decrease GHG and improve healthy life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing literature on environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is mainly focused on finding out the optimal sustainable path for any economy. Looking at the present renewable energy generation scenario in India, this study has made an attempt to estimate the EKC for CO 2 emission in India for the period of 1971–2015. Using unit root test with multiple structural breaks and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration, this study has found the evidence of inverted U-shaped EKC for India, with the turnaround point at USD 2937.77. The renewable energy has found to have significant negative impact on CO 2 emissions, whereas for overall energy consumption, the long run elasticity is found to be higher than short run elasticity. Moreover, trade is negatively linked with carbon emissions. Based on the results, this study concludes with suitable policy prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies regarding the economic growth-environmental pollution link have struggled to determine the effects of various forms of energy consumption on environmental degradation, particularly in the context of emerging economies. This study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for CO 2 emissions in N-11 countries during 1990-2014 by segregating three forms of energy consumption (renewable, biomass and non-renewable). Urbanization and trade openness are additional explanatory variables that are used in the empirical framework. Using the Generalized Moments Method (GMM), the empirical evidence confirms the presence of an N-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation for N-11 countries. This study analyzed the interaction effects among trade openness, biomass consumption and economic growth; these interactions had a negative impact on CO 2 emissions levels of N-11 countries. Suitable policy recommendations have been provided based on the detailed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study recommends the use of Theil's second measure to investigate international renewable energy generation disparities. This index permits disparities to be broken down within and between groups of countries in a reliable style. An analysis of OECD countries for 1980–2011 shows some basic points: first, drop in renewable energy generation disparities is attributable both to within-group and between-group inequality components; second, between-group inequalities are presently the key contributor to the inequality; and, further investigation on within-group inequalities divulges the significant explanatory role played by North American, European, and Asian and Oceanian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction between environmental degradation and economic growth is a growing matter of interest among policymakers. Here we have estimated Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for 139 Indian cities considering SO 2 emissions. Study has been done for 2001–2013, and the data have been segregated by residential and industrial areas, and as well as low, medium, and high income areas. By virtue of different forms of EKC being found, policy level decisions have been designed. Moreover, non-rejection of EKC hypothesis reemphasized the impact of growth catalyzing economic policy decisions on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction between environmental degradation and economic growth is a growing matter of interest among policymakers. Here we have estimated environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for 139 Indian cities considering NO 2 emissions. Study has been done for 2001–2013, and the data have been segregated by residential and industrial areas, and as well as low, medium, and high income areas. By virtue of different forms of EKC being found, policy level decisions have been designed. Moreover, non-rejection of EKC hypothesis reemphasized the impact of growth catalyzing economic policy decisions on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OECD countries are failing to fulfil their obligation towards the implementation of the objectives of SDG 7 and SDG 13. The failure of OECD countries is major constraint concerning global progress on curbing GHG emissions and mitigation of climatic changes as it provides rationale for developing countries to avoid their commitments. Therefore, the major focus of COP26 was to explore policy options for sustainable transition of energy from fossil fuel to clean renewables. This study analyzes the impact of innovation in environmental technology along with various policy regimes on energy transition in OECD countries from 2000 to 2019. The driving factors of energy transition in OECD countries are analyzed, under moderation of environmental governance regimes. This objective is realized by constructing an Energy Transition Index that accounts for the movement along the energy ladder. This index is developed using the Energy Ladder Hypothesis. Using two-step system-GMM and segregating the sample across level of emissions, the results show that the regional authority augments the energy transition, while enforecement of the climate change laws shows mixed results. Based on the study outcomes, a policy framework is recommended for attaining the SDG objectives by realigning the climate change adaptation and mitigation policies. • Study aims at analyzing the energy transition drivers in the OECD countries. • Moderation of environmental governance is analyzed. • Energy Transition Index is developed. • Climate change adaptation policies are less effective than mitigation policies. • An SDG-oriented policy framework is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the association between inequality in energy intensity and social inequality in Indian cities, as these are the two predominant constituents of inequality in Indian socio-economic scenario. This study uses a bivariate cointegration based error correction model for assessing the causal association between the two inequality parameters, which are derived by using Theil's second measure. Given the sustainable development objective set by the government of India, interaction between these two parameters may prove out to be significant for achievement of this objective. It has been hypothesized that nature of this interaction varies largely based on the nature of the cities, i.e. semi-urban, urban, and metropolitan. The analysis has been done on the full and segregated dataset to visualize how the interaction changes with the nature of the cities. For analysis purpose, data for 139 Indian cities for the period of 2001-2013 have been selected. From the data of income, population, and energy consumption, two parameters of this study have been designed by using Theil's second measure. The analysis starts with checking the cross sectional dependence for both of the parameters. Subsequently, the stationarity of the data has been checked by using first generation unit root tests. Then, by employing the cointegration and error correction framework, the long run causal association has been assessed. For checking the short run causal association, Granger causality method has been applied. The data for this study have been collected form Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, Central Statistical Organization, India, and Census, India. Major findings of this study are, (a) for both the parameters and three segments, cross sections are independent, (b) the parameters are stationary at first difference, (c) there is long run cointegration relationship between them, and (d) the causal link between inequality in energy intensity and social inequality is unidirectional for the case of semi-urban cities, and it is bidirectional for the case of metropolitan and urban cities. For full dataset, causal link between inequality in energy intensity and social inequality is unidirectional. The Theil indices calculated for both the parameters show the trends of rising inequality for all the cities taken together. However, no significant trend was visualized for the individual strata of cities, for both of the parameters under consideration. This study summarizes that the economic growth achieved by India is not sustainable in nature. It can be achieved only by considering an inclusive growth framework, where social development will complement the growth objectives. Therefore, the fossil-fuel based economic growth agenda needs reconsideration, viewing the social dimensions of the cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty is a critical policymaking problem in the world, while the outlined solutions in academic and policy literature talks about the solutions, without addressing the possible cause of the problem. The interaction between labor and energy market might pave a way to address the issue. Within the context of energy poverty, this interaction might turn out to be a major roadblock in the way to attain the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From this perspective, this study aims at analyzing the constituents of inequality in access to energy, and in that pursuit, it has employed Kaya-Theil Decomposition method. The study is carried out at the global level over the period of 1990–2019. The study outcomes demonstrate all the inequality components to be rising during the study period. Presence of a possible feedback loop in the association might create the Vicious Circle of Energy Poverty around the globe. This study contributes to the literature by addressing the demand-side dimension of the energy poverty issue, while using the Kaya-Theil Decomposition method as an estimator of demand-side factors. Based on the study outcomes, a policy framework has been recommended, and it is aimed at helping the nations to achieve the objectives of SDG 7, SDG 8, and SDG 10. [Display omitted] • Constituents of inequality in access to energy in analyzed. • Study is done at the global level over 1990–2019. • Theil index and Kaya-Theil Decomposition mechanisms are used. • Inequality components of inequality in access to energy are rising. • Vicious Circle of Energy Poverty might arise by the feedback loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to literature by divulging the nature of scale and technique effects on renewable energy consumption, considering foreign direct investment (FDI) and financial development as considerable factors of renewable energy demand. The data for 39 countries over the period of 2000–2019 is used for empirical analysis. In doing so, second generation methodological approaches are applied to decompose scale and technique effects. The empirical results show the presence of cointegration between the model parameters, in the presence of cross-sectional dependence and structural breaks. Further, financial development is positively linked with renewable energy consumption. Foreign direct investment and renewable energy demand are positively linked. Composition effect has negative effect on renewable energy consumption. Economic growth and fossil fuel consumption have positive impact on renewable energy consumption. Long run estimation results indicate that renewable energy-FDI and renewable energy-financial development associations are U-shaped. It indicates that the scale effects exerted by FDI and financial development are overridden by technique and composition effects, and hence, the demand for renewable energy and consequential renewable energy consumption rises with the progression of economic growth. Based on this, policy suggestions are provided for these nations to ascertain sustainable development through bringing forth transformations in the energy policies. • Study has been done for 39 RECAI countries over 2000–2019. • Second generation methodological approach is adopted. • Financial development found to increase renewable energy consumption. • Foreign direct investment and renewable energy demand are positively linked. • Composition effect has negative effect on renewable energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A productive economic structure, represented by economic complexity (ECP), augments the economic development of nations. However, previous empirical investigations on this topic are confined to understanding the direct effects of economic complexity on environmental quality with equivocal outcomes. Therefore, this study not only probed the effects of ECP on the ecological footprint (EF) but also explored the indirect environmental effects of ECP through the channel of economic growth. To do so, the study employed the unit-root tests with structural breaks and without structural breaks. Afterward, the newly developed Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (AARDL) method was used on the time series Indian data from 1970 to 2017 in the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) framework. The findings disclosed cointegration among the selected variables. Notably, the AARDL test provided a reliable conclusion by using three different tests compared to the conventional ARDL model that relies on just one F-statistics. The long-run empirical results unfolded that ECP not only reduces footprint but also decreases the adverse environmental impacts of economic growth. In addition, energy intensity and economic growth contribute to escalating the EF, and thereby, increase environmental degradation. Nevertheless, population density decreases the footprint, and thus, stimulates ecological sustainability. Besides, ECP Granger causes EF. After this, several diagnostic tests were performed to confirm the stability of the models and the results were verified using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares test. Lastly, the study directed policies to increase the level of sophisticated knowledge-based production for sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonation has been a primary policy prerogative for Sweden, and carbon tax has been a primary policy instrument in this pursuit, and the revenue generated out of carbon tax has been a driver for energy innovation. However, the benefits of energy innovation have not been experienced across various sectors in Swedish economy, and it might be anticipated that the potential aim of achieving carbon neutrality might not be accomplished to the fullest. Hence, being faced with the need of policy realignment for Sweden, this study has made an attempt to discover the dynamics between carbon tax revenue and energy innovation over a period of 1990–2019, following Quantile-on-Quantile Regression framework. The results obtained from the study show that the impact of carbon tax revenue on energy innovation might turn out to be ineffective beyond a certain threshold limit. A similar pattern has also been observed for the impact of energy innovation on carbon tax revenue. This study gives an indication that there might be a non-linear association between both these model parameters. The study outcomes have paved a way to design a policy framework for helping Swedish economy to attain the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, while paving the ways to achieve carbon neutrality. • Dynamics between carbon tax revenue and energy innovation is analyzed. • Advanced quantile framework is used. • Study is done for Sweden over 1990–2019. • Tradeoff between carbon tax and energy innovation is found. • Thresholds of the association are significant for drawing implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), countries are increasingly embracing a sustainable financing mechanism via green bond financing. Green bonds have attracted the attention of the industrial sector and policymakers, however, the impact of green bond financing on environmental and social sustainability has not been confirmed. There is no empirical evidence on how this financial product can contribute to achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2030. In this study, we empirically analyze the impact of green bond financing on environmental and social sustainability by considering the S&P 500 Global Green Bond Index and S&P 500 Environmental and Social Responsibility Index, from October 1, 2010 to 31st July 2020 using a combination of Quantile-on-Quantile Regression and Wavelet Multiscale Decomposition approaches. Our results reveal that green financing mechanisms might have gradual negative transformational impacts on environmental and social responsibility. Furthermore, we attempt to design a policy framework to address the relevant SDG objectives. • We analyze the impact of the green bonds returns on Environmental and Social Responsibility at a global scale. • We provide a novel empirical evidence from the advanced quantile modelling approaches. • Green financing mechanism might have gradual negative transformational impact on environmental and social responsibility. • We design a policy framework to address the relevant SDGs objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising concern regarding traditional non-renewable energy consumption has led policymakers to explore the potential of economical renewable energy sources. In this regard, biomass energy has received considerable attention because previous studies have found mixed results regarding the effect of biomass energy on environmental quality. Together with modern technology, biomass energy may significantly influence environmental quality. This study investigates the impact of biomass energy consumption, education, and technological innovation on environmental quality by controlling for the role of economic growth and financial development in the function of environmental quality. Second-generation econometric methods were used to solve the issues of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence in the study variables. The Westerlund and Edgerton (2008) cointegration technique confirmed the existence of a long-run equilibrium among the variables in the presence of structural breaks. The panel quantile regression results indicate that biomass energy use and technological innovation reduce environmental quality. Similarly, economic growth increases carbon emissions in the environment. Education and financial development contribute to reduce carbon emissions. • Role of biomass energy consumption, education, and technological innovation is investigated in carbon emissions. • Panel quantile regression method is employed for APEC countries. • Biomass energy consumption and technological innovation increase carbon emissions. • Education and financial development improve environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions. • Dumitrescu and Hurlin method is used to examine the causality among the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rise in ageing population and rising globalization, the European nations are facing difficulties in encountering the climate action and ascertaining energy security. For diffusing the energy innovations and curtailing natural resource extraction, with an objective of reducing carbon emissions, the existing policy framework in these nations might need a reorientation, and there comes the role of the study. This study recommends a policy framework for exploring the effect of natural resource extraction and age dependence on carbon emissions in top-5 European countries (EU-5) for the period of 1990–2017. By applying the Second Generation Panel Modeling approach, the empirical results indicate that the associations of carbon emissions with natural resource extraction, globalization index, and economic growth and ageing population follow an inverted U-shaped relationship, in keeping with the framework of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Based on the findings of the study, a multipronged Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework has been designed, and through this framework, SDG 7, SDG 13, and thereafter SDG 8 have been evaluated. While these three SDGs are the central focus of the study, the SDG framework has also suggested a way to evaluate several tangential SDGs. [Display omitted] • The augmented carbon emissions' function is applied in the EU-5 countries. • Natural resource reports an inverted U-shaped relationship with carbon emissions. • The linkage between globalization and carbon emissions shows the phenomenon of EKC. • The ageing population increases carbon emissions. • Energy innovations improve environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic and demographic transitions led by the persistent increase in the per capita income have challenged the environmental conservation drive in most of the developing nations. Therefore, in recent years, policymakers emphasized the need for navigating the harmful impacts of economic growth endeavors on the established ecosystem. In this regard, the widespread usage of renewable energy solutions has helped in restoring the environmental quality in both developed and developing countries. Keeping this in mind, in the present study, we examined the long run and short-run impacts of per capita income, renewable energy, life expectancy, and population density on the ecological footprint in the eight developing countries of South and Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2015. In the selected nations, these variables appear to be the potential drivers of the ecological footprint. To calculate the common coefficients, we have employed the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach, as this approach handles the cross-sectional dependency issue efficiently and provides the short-run and long-run coefficients. The long-run results supported the need for low pollution-intense energy resources because the association between per capita income and ecological footprint is found N-shaped. Further, the study established that the increased use of renewable energy has significantly reduced the ecological footprint in the region. However, the increased population density has led to an increase in pollution emissions in these countries. Similarly, the impact of life expectancy on the ecological footprint is found positive but insignificant. Based on the findings, a multipronged policy framework has been designed, so that these nations can attain the objectives of certain sustainable development goals (SDGs). Determining the factors influencing ecological footprint in emerging economies of Asia (1990–2015). Notes: (- sig.) = negative and significant, (+sig.) = positive and significant, and (+insig.) = positive and insignificant. Image 1 • In relation to the ecological footprint, the study confirms the N-shaped EKC. • Renewable energy consumption contributes to improve environmental quality in the long run. • 1% increase in population density widens the scope for ecological footprint by 0.139%. • Impact of life expectancy on ecological footprint has remained positive but insignificant during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between technological progression and ambient air pollution in top-10 polluted Middle East and North African (MENA) countries by using monthly data for the period of 1990–2017. The Quantile cointegration proposed by Xiao (2009), Quantile-on-Quantile regression (QQ) proposed by Sim and Zhou (2015), and Quantile Autoregressive Granger causality developed by Troster et al. (2018) are applied. In particular, we examine to which extent, quantiles of technological progression affect the quantiles of ambient air pollution, by developing separate indicators for both the mentioned aspects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Our empirical findings unfold mutual dependence between technological progression and ambient air pollution. Furthermore, the results of Quantile Autoregressive Granger causality test conclude a bidirectional causal relationship between technological progression and ambient air pollution. • Technological progression-air pollution nexus is analyzed. • Sample is top-10 polluted Middle East and North African countries. • Study period is 1990–2017. • Advanced quantile method is employed. • Based on results, sustainable development framework is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for ecological footprint with the role of renewable energy use, non-renewable energy use and trade openness in 24 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. For this purpose, we investigate the period from 1980 to 2014 using with second generation panel data methodologies which allow to cross-sectional dependence among countries. The group-mean results show that the inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis does not hold in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries because we found the U-shaped relationship between economic growth and ecological footprint. In addition, it is concluded that increasing renewable energy consumption reduces ecological footprint and increasing non-renewable energy consumption increases environmental degradation. Image 10447 • We examine the validity of Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for ecological footprint. • Renewable and non-renewable energy use and trade openness are explanatory variables. • Study is done for 24 OECD countries from 1980 to 2014. • Results show that the EKC hypothesis does not hold. • Renewable energy consumption reduces ecological footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the inception of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Next 11 (N11) countries are facing difficulties in attaining the SDG objectives, as maintaining the environmental quality has been a challenge for them. In this study, we have revisited the technology policies of these countries, and in doing so, we have tried to address the problem of environmental degradation, while addressing the issues of sustained economic growth, clean and affordable energy, and quality education. In this pursuit, we have designed two indices for environmental degradation and technological advancement, and then analyzed the association between them following the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The empirical analysis has been done by IPAT framework, and by using bootstrapped quantile regression and rolling window heterogeneous panel casualty tests, over a period of 1990–2017. Following the results obtained from the analysis, we have tried to address the objectives of SDG 13, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 7, and SDG 10. Image 1 • Interplay between technological progress and environmental quality is analyzed. • Study has been done for Next 11 countries over 1990–2017. • Indices for technological progress and environmental quality are designed. • Bootstrap quantile regression & rolling window heterogeneous panel causality used. • Seven SDG objectives are designed using the empirical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between financial development and access to electricity for rural and urban India by incorporating economic growth, trade, and foreign direct investment in energy production function. In doing so, we have applied autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing to examine long run cointegration between the variables by accommodating structural break(s) stemming in the series. Our empirical results indicate the presence of cointegration association between access to electricity and its determinants. We note that financial development enhances access to electricity in rural India but declines it in urban India. Economic growth has positive effect on access to electricity. Trade openness and foreign direct investment lower access to electricity in rural India. In urban India, trade openness and foreign direct investment increase access to electricity. The association between financial development and access to electricity is inverted-U shaped for rural and urban India. This paper would present new policy direction for Indian government to enhance access to electricity by using financial development as an economic tool. • Financial development and access to electricity have a strong linkage. • In India financial development enhances access to electricity in rural area but has adverse effect in urban area. • Rise in economic growth of India has increased the access to electricity. • Growth of Trade Openness and Foreign Direct investment increase access to electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving net zero largely depends on the stability of the domestic renewable energy generation firms. Steady investment attracted by these firms can ensure their sustenance. Price fluctuations of these firms can affect their risk profiles, and subsequently, the investments coming toward those firms. The fluctuating stance of the United States of America (USA) in tacking climatic shift has made the policy environment inconducive of the domestic renewable energy generation firms. The disruptions in the financial market caused by the Russia-Ukraine Conflict have worsened the situation. Moreover, the trade restrictions on critical minerals and restrictive trade flows in the post-conflict period are expected to hamper the operational efficiency of these firms. Given this background, the present study attempts to develop a policy framework for the USA to internalize the impacts of conflict and stabilize the price returns of the renewable energy generation firms in the USA. The study is done from January 5, 2021, to March 31, 2023, and by comparing the pre- and post-conflict scenarios after dividing the sample. This study has used the multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression (m-QQR) framework. Results of the study have provided with significant insights into the price response of the renewable energy generation firms in the USA to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict. These insights are utilized to develop a policy framework to achieve net zero in the USA. • Price fluctuations of renewable energy generation firms affect their investments. • Study is done for the USA from January 5, 2021, to March 31, 2023. • Russia-Ukraine Conflict's impact on clean energy generation firm prices is shown. • Multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression is introduced. • Results are used to develop a policy framework to achieve net-zero in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest surge of global uncertainty and disruptions in global supply networks put policymakers under pressure to emprise green innovations as a vital tool to address environmental concerns. However, producing green innovations doesn't always help in achieving environment-related sustainable development goals. Therefore, in this study, we endeavour to investigate to what extent green innovations are efficient in improving environmental efficiency. To this end, a network bias-corrected data envelopment analysis and clustering analysis is applied. The data used in this study covers 42 countries from different regions, spanning from 2000 to 2020. The results reveal that most countries have not made major advancements in environmental efficiency signifying the low level of green innovations utilization to achieve environment-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, the results demonstrate a U efficiency curve for inputs-oriented green innovations efficiency over time, indicating that the initial stages of green innovations production are associated with a decreased return. However, over time, the efficiency exhibits an upward trend. The benchmarking analysis reveals that South American and European Union nations set the bar for other countries in terms of efficiently leveraging green innovations to achieve SDGs. Our findings also suggest that environmental efficiency is more dependent on green-supporting policies such as green energy production and green taxes. As a result, we conclude that achieving environmental SDGs while utilizing green innovations does not always result in the development of other SDGs. Therefore, policymakers need to prioritize pursuing a green developmental approach and supporting policies to achieve environment-related SDGs and other SDGs. • Output-oriented green innovations production is subject to the law of diminishing returns. • Policymakers should redirect their attention from output-oriented efficiency to input-oriented efficiency when it comes to producing green innovations. • Achieving SDGs goals in industrial economies comes at the cost of negative environmental impacts. • South American and European Union countries are at the forefront in terms of efficiency in green innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This examination explored the link between renewable energy utilization and environmental degradation in top-10 polluted countries by using monthly data from 1990 to 2017. The Quantile-on-Quantile regression (QQ) proposed by Sim and Zhou [1] and Granger causality in quantiles developed by Troster [2] are applied. In particular, we examine in what manners, quantiles of renewable energy consumption affect the quantiles of environmental degradation. Our empirical findings unfold overall dependence between renewable energy consumption and ecological deterioration. The findings recommend the presence of a significant negative association between renewable energy consumption and environmental degradation in China, USA, Japan, Canada, Brazil, South Korea and Germany, predominantly in high and low tails but results are totally contrasting in the case of India, Russia and Indonesia. Furthermore, the outcomes of Granger-causality in quantiles conclude a bidirectional causal link between renewable energy consumption and environmental degradation. The empirical findings suggest that governments should need to subsidize green energy in declining ecological degradation. • We analyze the link between renewable energy utilization and environmental degradation. • Study is done on top-10 polluted countries by using monthly data from 1990 to 2017. • Advanced quantile modeling is adopted. • Bidirectional causality found between renewable energy utilization and environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examines the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon emissions for the Middle East and North African (MENA) region in 1990–2015, including biomass energy consumption as an additional determinant of carbon emissions. We apply the generalized method of moments (GMM) to validate the existence of the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). The N-shaped association is also validated between FDI and carbon emissions. The link between economic growth and carbon emissions is inverted-U and N-shaped; that is, it satisfies the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypotheses. Biomass energy use lowers carbon emissions, and the causality analysis reveals that FDI causes CO 2 emissions. Clearly, the results confirm the existence of a feedback effect between economic growth and carbon emissions. The connection between biomass energy use and CO 2 emissions is also bidirectional. The empirical findings suggest policy makers to design comprehensive trade and energy policies by targeting the cleaner production practices, for not only to ensure environmental sustainability, but also to fulfil the objectives of sustainable development goals. Graphical abstract Image 1042822 Highlights • We examine the association between FDI and carbon emissions. • Study has been done for the Middle East and North African countries in 1990–2015. • Biomass energy consumption is considered as a determinant of carbon emissions. • We validate the existence of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis. • N-shaped association is validated between FDI and carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generated through fossil fuels degrades the environment. Hence, the promotion of green electricity should be the foundation for sustainable development. In this context, the present work probes the impact of green electricity consumption (GEC), technological innovation (TEI), democracy (DEM), and economic growth (GR) on the ecological footprint (EF) and assesses the moderating effects of democracy on EF from 1995 to 2018 in six ASEAN nations. The empirical results show that renewable electricity, TEI, and DEM promote ecological quality. Interestingly, democracy not only alleviates the level of EF but also reinforces the favorable impacts of technological innovation on environmental quality. • Environmental impacts of green electricity & technological innovation are explored. • The moderating effects of democracy through the innovation channel are ascertained. • Technological innovation and green electricity curb ecological footprint (EF). • Democracy reduces footprint and also stimulates the impact of innovation at EF. • Policies to promote green electricity production are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of green finance on environmental performance in developing countries. Using panel cointegration analysis and panel vector error correction model (VECM) to a sample of 76 developing economies from 2010 to 2019, this study confirms that carbon emissions (CO 2) is cointegrated with green finance, real gross domestic product, urbanization, and renewable energy under different specifications and therefore we estimate the long-run relationships among these variables. Specifically, both green finance and renewable energy are found to exert significant and inhibitory effects on CO 2 emissions, reaffirming the necessity to promote green finance and renewable energy. Results from the paper also document the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve and the increasing effects of urbanization on CO 2 emissions. Several policy implications and recommendations are drawn from this study. • We examine impact of green finance on environmental performance. • 76 developing economies from 2010 to 2019 are considered. • Green finance and renewable energy exert inhibitory effects on CO 2 emissions. • Results support the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belt and Road (BRI) countries are trying to realize the potential of financial resources and renewable energy in order to mitigate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, prevailing structural issues have been found to stymie the environmental outcome. This issue calls for a policy reorientation in the BRI countries, and therein lies the role of the present study. This study examines how the environmental impacts of financial development and renewable energy respond to exogenous moderation. Using a second-generation methodological approach on the data of the 64 BRI countries over 2003–2019, findings reveal that globalization enhances the negative environmental externality exerted by financial development, while institutional quality suppresses it. Both globalization and institutional quality augment the positive environmental externalities exerted by renewable energy and human capital. Using dynamic elasticity measures, the evolutionary impacts of the moderators are also captured. An SDG-oriented policy framework is recommended based on the study outcomes. [Display omitted] • Environmental impact of financial development and renewable energy is analyzed. • Second generation method is applied. • Dynamic elasticity analysis is applied. • Policy framework is designed to address SDG 7 and 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing size of stock market in the South Asian countries might have contributed to raising the level of industrial production and energy consumption. This upturned energy usage might have widened the scope for carbon emissions because these nations heavily rely on fossil fuels. In this milieu, therefore, in the present study, we assessed the impacts of stock market development, per capita income, trade expansion, renewable energy solutions, and technological innovations on carbon intensity in the four South Asia countries from 1990 to 2016. The empirical results based on the CS-ARDL approach revealed that stock market development, per capita income, and trade expansion invigorated carbon intensity in the South Asian countries. On the contrary, the increased usage of renewable energy solutions and technological advancement helped in reducing the energy-led carbon intensity. Further, the interaction of stock market with renewable energy, and subsequently with technological advancement delivered insignificant coefficients, which indicates the inefficacy of renewable energy and technological advancement in regulating stock market-led carbon intensity during the study period. Therefore, by considering the need for complementarity between economic growth and environmental targets, we proposed a multipronged policy framework, which may help the selected countries to attain the Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on SDG 7, 8, 9, and 13. The proposed scheme to reduce carbon intensity. [Display omitted] • Stock market development contributes to raising energy-led carbon intensity. • Per capita income and trade openness intensify carbon intensity. • Renewable energy and technological innovation fortify environmental quality. • Renewable energy and technological innovation unable to regulate stock market-led carbon intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undoubtedly, energy is indispensable to attain economic development; however, it also generates CO2 emissions, which are the dominant contributor to environmental deterioration and climate change. In this regard, clean energy can help to achieve both sustainable development and environmental sustainability since it comprises non-carbohydrate energy sources that do not or seldom generate emissions. Against this backdrop, this work considers economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and probes the impact of clean energy consumption on CO2 emissions in the third largest European economy France from 1987 to 2019 controlling urbanization and economic growth. Using the STIRPAT framework, the study employed the novel Augmented ARDL method that overcomes the limitations of the ARDL methods. The outcomes disclosed strong evidence of cointegration. The long-run analysis revealed that clean energy consumption does not contribute to emissions reduction in the long-run. However, EPU poses a threat to environmental sustainability by augmenting emissions levels. Economic growth boosts CO2 emissions, while urbanization is conducive to environmental quality supporting ecological modernization theory. The study detected causality from EPU to economic growth and emissions. Finally, based on the study outcomes, a policy framework is suggested to address the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and 13. • Estimated effects of clean energy and EPU on emissions using augmented ARDL method. • Findings indicate cointegration in the model. • EPU increases CO2 emissions. • Economic growth augments emissions while urbanization reduces emissions. • Clean energy consumption does not significantly contribute to CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of export product diversification, extensive margin and intensive margin on emerging economies energy demand covering the period from 1971 to 2014. The study contributes to energy economics by unveiling the interaction between export diversification and energy demand of 10 newly industries countries (NICs). Owing to the growth prospect and trade volume of these nations, it is necessary to assess the various facades of export growth on the energy demand. In this pursuit, we have considered the export product diversification index in its aggregate and disaggregated forms (i.e. extensive margin and intensive margin) in this study. The empirical estimation has been carried out based on GMM, FGLS, FMOLS, and DOLS techniques. The empirical results demonstrate that export diversification, extensive margin, and intensive margin help to reduce the overall energy demand in NICs. Further, the empirical outcomes identify that economic growth, urbanization, and natural resources increase energy consumption. The study discusses fruitful policy implications regarding the exports diversification and energy demand nexus for emerging economies. • The impact of export product diversification on energy demand is investigated. • 10 NICs over 1971–2014 are analyzed. • Results show that export product diversification reduces energy consumption. • Extensive and intensive margins also help to reduce overall energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a comprehensive policy framework for ascertaining sustainable development is a problem faced by most of the countries around the globe, and the developed nations are no exception to that. Environmental awareness-oriented policy design for achieving sustainable development goals is a challenge for the developed nations, and there lies the contribution of this study. This study analyzes the impact of renewable energy on carbon emissions, in presence of education, natural resource abundance, foreign direct investment, and economic growth for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries over the period of 1990–2015. Second generation methodologies are adapted for the empirical estimation. The results show the stimulating role of renewable energy consumption in shaping environmental quality. Education declines carbon emissions. Natural resource abundance and foreign direct investment deteriorate environmental quality. Moreover, the time series individual country analysis also confirms that renewable energy has a positive impact on economic growth. The heterogeneous causality analysis reveals the feedback effect, i.e., bidirectional causal associations among carbon emissions, education, and renewable energy consumption. This empirical evidence suggests that countries should increase investment in education and renewable energy sectors and plan for research and development in renewable energy for ensuring environmental sustainability. Image 1 • This study analyzes the impact of educational attainment on carbon emissions. • Study has been done for 27 OECD countries over the period of 1990–2015. • Results show stimulating role of educational attainment in shaping environmental quality. • Natural resource abundance and FDI deteriorates environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonattainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is a pressing policy concern. The energy-led growth pattern needs a policy-level reorientation to address this concern. This present study examines the impacts of energy imports and natural resource rents on sustainable development across 127 countries over 1990–2019. The empirical model also takes account of population growth, corruption, and globalization. Using the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) method, the results reveal that energy imports negatively influence sustainable development in both the short and long run. The utilization of domestic natural resource rents has a positive yet insignificant influence on sustainable development. The roles of population growth and globalization are found to be favorable, while corruption has a negative effect on sustainable development. The study outcomes are utilized to develop a benchmark policy design to attain sustainable development. The policy framework is designed by reorienting the energy import and natural resource rent, while calibrating the effects of population growth, corruption, and globalization. • Energy-led growth needs reorientation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. • Impact of energy imports and resource rents on sustainable development is analyzed. • Study is done across 127 countries over 1990–2019 by second generation methods. • We find diverse impacts of explanatory variables on sustainable development. • A developmental policy framework is designed by calibrating explanatory variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study disaggregates energy, i.e. non-renewable and renewable energy consumption, and investigates its effect on economic growth. The period of 1990–2015 is used to examine Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries. This paper determines the cross-sectional dependence and employs a second-generation panel unit root test for precise estimation. Westerlund cointegration test is used to examine the long-run equilibrium relationship between the variables and confirm the presence of cointegration in the long run. The Continuously Updated Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (CUP-FM) approaches are applied to investigate long-term output elasticities between the variables. The results show the stimulating role of energy (renewable and nonrenewable) consumption in economic growth. Research and development expenditures and trade openness have a positive effect on economic growth. Moreover, the time series individual country analysis also confirms that renewable energy has a positive impact on economic growth. The heterogenous causality analysis reveals the feedback effect, i.e., bidirectional causal associations among economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and nonrenewable energy consumption. This empirical evidence suggests that countries should increase investment in renewable energy sectors and plan for development in renewable energy for sustainable energy growth. Graphical abstract Image 1086374 Highlights • We analyze the growth-energy-capital-trade-R&D expenditures association. • Study is done for 16 in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries during the period of 1990–2015. • Long-run output elasticities are estimated for panel and individual countries. • Energy consumption in any form increases economic growth. • Research and Development expenditure increases economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A deeper understanding of energy consumption is entrenched. • Energy consumption scenarios are framed based on higher energy consuming sector. • Optimized energy policy in context with derived scenarios is proposed and elaborated. • Nexuses among energy accessibility, consumption, intensity, and RE penetration is established. • Energy consumption influenced sound energy policies are suggested to achieve SDG 7. The Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy) is the key to achieving climate goals and constructing effective policies have an immense role to foster the actions. The three major components of SDG 7 include energy accessibility, renewable penetration and energy intensity. Energy consumption characteristics in a country can predominantly influence all three components of SDG 7. Further, energy consumption is intrinsically linked to several energy policies. Understanding the nexuses will be conducive to the policymakers and energy community. This study aims at providing deeper perspectives on the influence of energy consumption by analyzing the changes incurred in renewable penetration, energy installed capacity, production and consumption-based emission, and emission intensity. The analysis is extended to four major energy consuming sectors (including industrial, transportation, residential and commercial sectors) in 40 countries. A thorough investigation is performed based on a clustering approach to identify the pattern among the energy consumption. This yielded three scenarios where countries have the highest energy consumption in the industrial (Scenario 1), transportation (Scenario 2), and residential sector (Scenario 3), respectively. Scenario 1 has higher energy consumption growth and renewable penetration can be achieved with a proper policy framework. Scenario 2 is observed to have stagnant energy consumption and promoting renewables needs additional efforts to decouple fossil fuel usage. Scenario 3 has moderate energy consumption growth and the renewable penetration is the highest. The residential sector is observed to possess the highest renewable energy consumption among the four energy-consuming sectors in all the scenarios. For the identified energy consumption patterns, a policy framework is proposed to substantiate energy sustainability in which policies are constructed in two stages, i.e., one to form the core policy and the other to sustain the core policy. The contributions of the study is further extended to delineate the relation between energy consumption and the three elements of SDG 7 (energy accessibility, renewable penetration, and energy intensity). Understanding the influence exerted by energy consumption patterns will be highly supportive in directing energy policies and the existing policies can be optimized with the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation infrastructure is a pillar of economic development as well as a main contributor to climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to transform the transport sector investment into climate-resilient, low-carbon transportation choices in order to achieve sustainable transportation infrastructure. In case of China, this transformation might be necessary from the perspective of the "New-style Urbanization" strategy, and for fulfilling this strategy, policy realignment is required. To address this policy-level void in the literature, we explore the influence of public private partnerships investment in transport sector, renewable energy consumption, urbanization on transport-induced carbon emissions in China. For this purpose, we apply Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lagged (QARDL) method during 1990Q1-2018Q4. Based on the results of the study, a multipronged sustainable development goal (SDG) framework has been suggested, under which SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 8 are addressed, while using SDG 17 as a vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascertaining sustainable development is a major issue across the globe, and the economic growth pattern achieved is a predominant reason behind this. The globalization-led economic growth achieved by the emerging economies might not be ecologically sustainable, as globalization might not have been utilized as a policy tool. Moreover, a sound policy calls for considering the entire data spectrum for the analysis, which is largely ignored in the literature. This research contributes to the literature by proffering a policy framework for the emerging economies by analyzing the impact of globalization and tourism on environmental degradation, by considering the Chinese context as a sample. Following the quantile autoregressive distributed lag model, the impact of economic growth, globalization, and tourism on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide emissions, and the ecological footprint in China over 1978Q1-2017Q4 are analyzed. The results demonstrate that economic growth stimulates environmental degradation, while the presence of Environmental Kuznets Curve is also validated. Moreover, tourism has been found to exert positive environmental externalities, while globalization exerts negative environmental externalities. Based on the outcomes of the research, a comprehensive policy framework has been suggested, following which the Chinese economy might be able to attain the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, and 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]