Effects of population structure on CO2 emissions in South Asian countries: evidence from panel estimation

Abstract

The rapidly changing population structure in South Asian countries is observed to be linked with growing social, economic, and environmental problems. Therefore, to enhance current wave of knowledge, this research investigated the effect of population structure on CO₂ emissions in some selected South Asian countries (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal) over the period of 1990-2016. The results showed that age structure is associated with CO₂ emissions in the long run in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. In addition, age structure drives more CO₂ emissions in India than in any other countries. People with age less than 15 years and people with age more than 65 years are responsible for increasing CO₂ emissions in India. On the other hand, in Pakistan, people of age less than 15 years are responsible for reduction of CO₂ emissions in the long run. In Nepal, age group of young people (less than 15 years) exerts negative effects on CO₂ emissions. The governments of these countries need to put serious attention toward age structure in order to improve air quality.

Keywords: ARDL; Carbon emissions; Population structure; South Asia.