Exploring the nexus of oil price shocks: Impacts on financial dynamics and carbon emissions in the crude oil industry

This empirical study delves into the intricate interplay between oil price shocks (OPS) and their dual impacts on both carbon emissions and the financial performance of the crude oil industry. Utilizing a sophisticated econometric approach, the study employs a Nonlinear ARDL model to meticulously scrutinize the enduring and immediate associations between oil prices and key financial indicators such as stock prices, dividends, and profit ratios of oil exploration industries. Given the significant fiscal and ecological transformations in China during this period, the chosen factors provide a robust framework for measuring changes at both microeconomic and macroeconomic levels, contributing valuable insights to sustainable economic development strategies. Our findings elucidate a statistically significant influence of OPS on the financial performance of the oil industry, particularly in the short term. The increase in the volatility level of OPS manifests a discernible decline in stock prices and profit ratios. Intriguingly, the study further uncovers a nuanced facet of OPS, revealing a prolonged and beneficial impact on carbon emissions in the long term. More importantly, heightened oil prices serve as a catalyst, motivating oil exploration companies to intensify production and exploration activities, thereby increasing carbon emissions in a direct relationship. The implications of these findings are pivotal for policy making, underscoring the imperative for decision-makers and industry stakeholders to pivot towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The research augments the ongoing discourse surrounding the intricate nexus between energy costs and carbon emissions, furnishing invaluable insights that could steer the development of policies geared towards fostering sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.