Impact of militarization, energy consumption, and ICT on CO2 emissions in G20 countries.

This study investigates the impact of energy consumption, military spending and information and communication technology (ICT) on CO₂ emissions for the Group of Twenty (G20) countries using panel data covering the period from 1980 to 2019. This study employs cross-sectional dependence tests, unit root tests, and the Westerlund co-integration tests to explore the reliable, consistent, and unbiased long-run associations between the variables. Moreover, it uses the panel ARDL approach and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation to confirm the robustness of the findings, as well as addresses the endogeneity issue. This study reveals the significant and positive impact of military spending, energy consumption and ICT on CO₂ emissions. The results imply that higher military expenditure, energy consumption, and technological advancement in ICT cause greater CO₂ emissions, which affect the environmental sustainability. The findings have several implications for the governments of G20 countries, regulatory bodies and international organizations, and advises the policymakers to take appropriate action to control the CO₂ emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]