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Transforming capital: The role of human capital structure in modulating environmental outcomes across economic transitions

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  • Zhao, Qiuyun
  • Liu, Fan
  • Liu, Zhenhai
  • Zheng, Jie

Abstract

Based on the perspective of new structural economics, this study builds a theoretical framework of human capital structure and environmental pollution. Human capital structure on pollution has different manifestations at different stages of development, the effect of pollution based on human capital structure follows the environmental Kuznets curve. Using multinational panel data (1990–2015) and provincial panel data for China (2004–2020), examined the dynamic relationship between human capital structure upgrading and pollution by introducing an interaction term between human capital and economic development level, applying random-effect, fixed-effect models, and a dynamic model test. The results support our theoretical analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Qiuyun & Liu, Fan & Liu, Zhenhai & Zheng, Jie, 2024. "Transforming capital: The role of human capital structure in modulating environmental outcomes across economic transitions," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(PB), pages 398-412.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:93:y:2024:i:pb:p:398-412
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2024.05.019
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human capital; Structural transformation; New structural economics; Environmental Kuznets curve;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • J2 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor
    • O0 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - General
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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