Examining the Environmental Kuznets Curve for Methane emissions (CH4) in SAARC countries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10897080Keywords:
Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Energy Consumption, Population Growth, SAARC CountriesAbstract
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory for CH4 in SAARC countries from 1990 to 2021. Methane (CH4) is a potential greenhouse gas causing climate change and global warming, but academicians have given it less attention.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs the Panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) technique and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) methods.
Findings: The research results validate the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Ch4 emissions rise with per capita GDP until a specific income level is reached, after which further income increases lead to lower emissions.
Implications/Originality/Value: The study concludes that sustained economic development can support environmental protection. Moreover, the study finds that energy consumption and population growth increase CH4 emissions. Therefore, steps are needed to control the population and shift to greener and more environmentally friendly use of energy resources.
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