Environmental Phillips curve: OECD and Asian NICs perspective

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Sep;27(25):31153-31170. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-08620-8. Epub 2020 May 31.

Abstract

This research aims to explore the existence of a new concept known as "environmental Phillips curve" (EPC) developed by the authors. Taking annual data of 30 countries for 26 years, a panel data estimation method is applied. The invented function shows an inverse relationship between pollution and unemployment. In most of the cases, the industrialized countries show that the relationship is valid. The notion is proved effective in every format of investigation. It seems that curbing pollution in the world is only possible at the cost of human employment. Therefore, if countries want to curb environmental pollution without affecting the generation of employment and reducing poverty, they should contemplate both innovation and enforcement alternative technologies that would be less polluting but employment friendly. Moreover, this research also suggests that if a country can treat pollution efficiently, it can increase the national income without a deteriorating unemployment level.

Keywords: CO2 emissions; Environmental Phillips curve (EPC); OECD; Panel data; Unemployment.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Developed Countries
  • Economic Development
  • Employment
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Humans
  • Income*
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide