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Reinvestigating the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) of carbon emissions and ecological footprint in 147 countries: a matter of trade protectionism

Author

Listed:
  • Qiang Wang

    (Xinjiang University
    China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Xiaowei Wang

    (Wuhan University)

  • Rongrong Li

    (Xinjiang University
    China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Xueting Jiang

    (The Australian National University)

Abstract

Environmental degradation has profoundly impacted both human society and ecosystems. The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) illuminates the intricate relationship between economic growth and environmental decline. However, the recent surge in trade protectionism has heightened global economic uncertainties, posing a severe threat to global environmental sustainability. This research aims to investigate the intricate pathways through which trade protection, assessed by available trade openness data, influences the nexus between economic growth and environmental degradation. Leveraging comprehensive global panel data spanning 147 countries from 1995 to 2018, this study meticulously examines the non-linear dynamics among trade, economy, and the environment, with a particular emphasis on validating the EKC hypothesis. This study encompasses exhaustive global and panel data regressions categorized across four income groups. The research substantiates the validity of the EKC hypothesis within the confines of this investigation. As income levels rise, the impact of economic growth on environmental degradation initially intensifies before displaying a diminishing trend. Additionally, trade protection manifests as a detriment to improving global environmental quality. The ramifications of trade protectionism display nuanced variations across income strata. In high-income nations, trade protection appears to contribute to mitigating environmental degradation. Conversely, within other income brackets, the stimulating effect of trade protection on environmental pressure is more conspicuous. In other words, trade protectionism exacerbates environmental degradation, particularly affecting lower-income countries, aligning with the concept of pollution havens. The study’s results illuminate nuanced thresholds in the relationship between trade, economic growth, and environmental degradation across income groups, emphasizing the heterogeneous impact and underlying mechanisms. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, urging collaborative efforts among nations to achieve a harmonious balance between economic advancement and environmental preservation on a global scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang Wang & Xiaowei Wang & Rongrong Li & Xueting Jiang, 2024. "Reinvestigating the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) of carbon emissions and ecological footprint in 147 countries: a matter of trade protectionism," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-02639-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-02639-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Makarov, Igor & Alataş, Sedat, 2024. "Production- and consumption-based emissions in carbon exporters and importers: A large panel data analysis for the EKC hypothesis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 363(C).
    2. Zwakele Dlamini & Ntokozo Nzimande & Mduduzi Biyase & Hlalefang Khobai & Mathias Manguzvane & Sanele Gumede, 2024. "Carbon Emissions and Growth: The Role of Trade and Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 14(5), pages 605-614, September.
    3. Hu, Shuo & Wang, Ailun & Lin, Boqiang, 2024. "Marginal abatement cost of CO2: A convex quantile non-radial directional distance function regression method considering noise and inefficiency," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 297(C).
    4. Guo, Jiaqi & Wang, Qiang & Li, Rongrong, 2024. "Can official development assistance promote renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa countries? A matter of institutional transparency of recipient countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).

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