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Intelligence and its Effects on Environmental Decline: A Worldwide Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Kazeem B. Ajide

    (University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria)

  • Olorunfemi Y. Alimi

    (University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria)

  • Simplice A. Asongu

    (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Abstract

The research investigates the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and environmental degradation, aiming to understand how cognitive abilities influence environmental outcomes across different nations and time periods. The objective is to examine the impact of intelligence quotient (IQ) on environmental indicators such as carbon emissions, ecological demand, and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), seeking insights to inform environmental policy and stewardship. The study utilizes statistical techniques including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS), and Iteratively Weighted Least Squares (IWLS) to analyze data from 147 nations over the years 2000 to 2017. These methods are applied to explore the relationship between IQ and environmental metrics while considering other relevant variables. The findings reveal unexpected positive associations between human intelligence quotient and carbon emissions, as well as ecological demand, challenging conventional notions of "delay discounting." Additionally, variations in the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis are identified across different pollutants, highlighting the roles of governance and international commitments in mitigating emissions. The study concludes by advocating for the adoption of a "delay discounting culture" to address environmental challenges effectively. It underscores the complex interactions between intelligence, governance, and population dynamics in shaping environmental outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted policies to achieve sustainability objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Kazeem B. Ajide & Olorunfemi Y. Alimi & Simplice A. Asongu, 2024. "Intelligence and its Effects on Environmental Decline: A Worldwide Analysis," Working Papers 24/017, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    • Handle: RePEc:exs:wpaper:24/017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human capital; intelligence quotient; population; output; carbon emission; EKC; World;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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