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Financial Inclusion, Digital Financial Inclusion and Air Quality: Evidence from Asian Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Linghui

    (School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, China; & School of Accounting and Finance, Taylor’s University, Malaysia)

  • Kelvin Lee Yong Ming

    (School of Accounting and Finance, Taylor’s University, Malaysia)

  • Irfah Najihah Binti Basir Malan

    (Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka Kampus Bandaraya Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Shen Yi

    (School of Literature and Communication, Huainan Normal University, China)

  • Ling Pick Soon

    (School of Business and Management, University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)

  • Lin Woon Leong

    (School of Management and Marketing, Taylor’s University, Malaysia)

Abstract

Financial inclusion enables greater access to financial resources and facilitates green energy investments, thus emerging as a potential avenue to mitigate pollution. However, the relationship between financial inclusion and environmental impact is complex, with arguments both for and against its positive effects. This study aims to examine the impact of financial inclusion and digital financial inclusion on air quality in thirteen selected Asian countries. The dependent variables used in this study was the Air Quality Index (AQI). The independent variables were financial inclusion, digital financial inclusion, population growth, net trade of goods and services and gross domestic product (GDP). The findings showed that the proxies of financial inclusion had mix effects on air quality, while a higher level of digital financial inclusion led to a better air quality in Asian countries. This study also revealed that population growth and GDP may somehow affect the air quality of Asian countries as well. These results suggest that Asian countries with lower level of financial inclusion and digital financial inclusion need to improve their citizen’s access to financial resources. Several policies shall be implemented to enhance the level of financial inclusion and the air quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Linghui & Kelvin Lee Yong Ming & Irfah Najihah Binti Basir Malan & Shen Yi & Ling Pick Soon & Lin Woon Leong, 2024. "Financial Inclusion, Digital Financial Inclusion and Air Quality: Evidence from Asian Countries," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 14(3), pages 407-410, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eco:journ2:2024-03-40
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial Inclusion; Digital Financial Inclusion; Air Quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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