Achieving sustainable development through economic growth, energy consumption, and agricultural productivity in China

Large amount of carbon emission is the main hazard to environment and human health. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of economic growth, forest zone, agricultural productivity, and energy consumption on environmental pollution in China using time series data from 1980 to 2020. The underline research utilized dynamic ordinary least‐squares (DOLS) method, Johansen and Engle–Granger cointegration tests, and the autoregressive‐distributed lag (ARDL) technique to analyze the varying data set. To compare findings, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR) estimators are estimated. Energy use and population raise CO2 emissions with 1% economic development. Long‐term CO2 emissions may be reduced by 1% agriculture production and forestry zone growth. The Granger causality test showed causation between all variables. Results reveal that China might achieve sustainable development goals by cutting down CO2 emissions and mitigate global climate change. The underline research presents policy recommendations for attaining environmental sustainability in China through green investment by reducing carbon emissions. These policies highlight promoting use of renewable energy, financing green technological progression in agricultural productivity, and the ecological feasibility of China's forests.