Environmental sustainability and green technologies across BRICS countries: the role of institutional quality

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Mar;30(11):30155-30166. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-24331-8. Epub 2022 Nov 24.

Abstract

In recent years, a growing body of research has focused on the environment and economic growth nexus. However, there has not been much research done on how environmentally friendly technologies and institutional quality affect pollution levels. It is found that in developed countries, the rate of environmental deterioration has slowed thanks to more sustainable environmental regulations, advances in technology, and improvements in the quality of institutions. In contrast, limited modern technology in developing nations has resulted in havens of high carbon emissions. Therefore, the current research tried to analyze the environmental quality by using green technologies (GT), institutional quality (IQ), and energy efficiency (EE) as independent variables. In this study, we utilized data from 1995 to 2019 from BRICS countries to estimate long-term and short-term relationships. Used second-generation econometric techniques indicated that IQ, GT, and EE repair reduced environmental damage. The EKC does not exist, which means pollution in selected countries will improve with an expansion in economic activities. In the long term, a reform in institutions and more spending are required on green technologies to secure a sustainable future in BRICS countries. Results hold up when it comes to policy implications.

Keywords: Ecological footprints; Energy efficiency; Environmental quality; Green technologies; Institutional quality.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon
  • Carbon Dioxide* / analysis
  • Economic Development
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Renewable Energy
  • Technology*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon