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The Environmental Kuznets Curve in Rich and Poor Countries: Insights from NASA-MODIS GPP Data

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  • Liping Gao
  • Hyeongwoo Kim
  • Jiquan Chen

Abstract

This study proposes an alternative approach to examining the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Instead of using conventional pollution indicators, we employ gross primary production (GPP) data from the NASA-MODIS dataset as a proxy for environmental quality across 131 countries. By estimating the nonlinear relationship between environmental protection and economic development, we confirm the conventional EKC pattern only in wealthy nations, where environmental quality improves as economies achieve higher levels of prosperity. In less developed countries, however, environmental quality tends to deteriorate further as economic growth accelerates. These results suggest that the EKC may be a localized phenomenon, raising concerns about policy suggestions that prioritize economic growth over environmental protection in less developed regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Liping Gao & Hyeongwoo Kim & Jiquan Chen, 2024. "The Environmental Kuznets Curve in Rich and Poor Countries: Insights from NASA-MODIS GPP Data," Auburn Economics Working Paper Series auwp2024-08, Department of Economics, Auburn University.
    • Handle: RePEc:abn:wpaper:auwp2024-08
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gross Primary Production; NASA-MODIS; Environmental Kuznets Curve; Nonlinearity; Income Groups;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q0 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics
    • O0 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - General

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