The Unassuming Economist

From a paper by Sommarat and Yana, Songsak Sriboonchitta:

“Environmental damage has become a pressing concern for researchers and policymakers worldwide, receiving significant attention in global discussions. Among the various contributors to environmental degradation, the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, stands out as a primary driver. CO₂ emissions arise predominantly from the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, and deforestation, making them a central focus in efforts to combat climate change. The accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming, rising sea levels, and disruptions in weather patterns. This research examines the impact of corruption on carbon emissions in six ASEAN countries, incorporating indicators such as economic growth, renewable energy usage, and urbanization. Economic growth, while crucial for development, often leads to increased energy consumption and industrial activities, resulting in higher carbon emissions. Conversely, renewable energy adoption can mitigate these emissions by replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources. Urbanization, a common feature of ASEAN countries, presents a dual challenge: while it drives economic development, it also increases energy demand and emissions, especially in the absence of sustainable urban planning. By analyzing the interplay between these factors, the research aims to provide insights into the role of governance in shaping environmental outcomes. The findings are expected to guide policymakers in designing strategies to reduce carbon emissions, enhance renewable energy adoption, and address the challenges posed by corruption in achieving sustainable development goals. The research findings reveal the presence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve in the studied ASEAN countries, characterized by an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions. This suggests that at lower levels of economic development, emissions increase with growth, but beyond a certain income threshold, emissions begin to decline as economies adopt cleaner technologies and stronger environmental policies. The analysis shows that renewable energy has a significant negative impact on carbon emissions, highlighting its critical role in mitigating environmental degradation. Conversely, urbanization positively influences emissions, indicating that unplanned urban growth leads to increased energy consumption and pollution. Promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth while prioritizing investments in renewable energy is vital to reducing emissions. Urbanization must be managed with sustainable urban planning and infrastructure to minimize its environmental footprint.”