The Impact of Renewable Energy and Government Effectiveness on CO₂ Emissions in the Top Ten Carbon-Emitting Countries
Over two-thirds of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions come from just ten countries, making their emission trends critical for global mitigation. This study integrates the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) with the STIRPAT framework to analyse the impact of renewable energy on CO₂ emissions in Ch...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English English |
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Unimas publisher
2025
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| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49919/ |
| Abstract | Abstract here |
| Summary: | Over two-thirds of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions come from just ten countries, making their emission trends critical for global mitigation. This study integrates the
Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) with the STIRPAT framework to analyse the impact of renewable energy on CO₂ emissions in China, the United States, India, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Iran, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea from 1996 to 2023. Using dynamic panel models, two interaction terms are introduced: Gross Domestic Product per capita with
government effectiveness and renewable energy consumption with government effectiveness. These allow the study to capture how governance effectiveness shapes the effects of income growth and renewable energy use on CO₂ emissions. The results support EKC, confirming a non-linear link between income and emissions. Renewable energy significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, with a stronger effect in countries with an effective government. Governance plays a key moderating role, strengthening the emission-reducing impacts of both economic growth management and renewable energy adoption. This study provides robust evidence to guide CO₂ mitigation policies in high-emission economies. The findings emphasize that effective government and clean energy expansion must be pursued together rather than in isolation. For policymakers in the top ten emitters, this means that regulatory reforms should be integrated with large-scale renewable energy investment, while advanced economies must accelerate innovation and developing economies must enhance institutional quality to ensure that the environmental benefits of renewables are fully realised. This integrated approach is vital to achieving the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. |
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