Abstract
While studies have demonstrated that air pollution can be catastrophic to the population’s health, few empirical studies are found in the economic literature because a considerable proportion of the evidence comes from epidemiological studies. Because of the crucial role of governance in the health community, good governance has been a contentious issue in public sector management in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of air pollution and the role of governance on health outcomes. This study employed the generalized method of moment (GMM) estimation techniques to analyse panel data for 72 developing countries from 2010 to 2017. The empirical results confirm that higher PM2.5 and CO2 levels have a detrimental influence on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, whereas the role of governance has a positive impact on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Furthermore, the findings show governance quality plays a role in moderating the negative effect of PM2.5 on health outcomes. The ongoing rise in air pollution has had a significant impact on the health of developing countries. It appears that governance quality has improved health outcomes. The findings have important policy implications, such that strengthening governance can reduce air pollution emissions in developing countries. However, to reduce the health effects of air pollution, developing countries must implement effective environmental development policies and track the implementation and enforcement of such policies.
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Data availability
The datasets used and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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The study’s design and model specifications were made by Nor Asma Ahmad and Normaz Wana Ismail. Nor Asma Ahmad and Normaz Wana Ismail prepared the materials, collected the data, and analysed the results. Nor Asma Ahmad wrote the first version of the text, which was reviewed by Normaz Wana Ismail, Shaufique Fahmi Ahmad Sidique, and Nur Syazwani Mazlan. The final manuscript was read and accepted by Nor Asma Ahmad, Normaz Wana Ismail, Shaufique Fahmi Ahmad Sidique, and Nur Syazwani Mazlan.
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Ahmad, N.A., Ismail, N.W., Sidique, S.F.A. et al. Air pollution, governance quality, and health outcomes: evidence from developing countries. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 41060–41072 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25183-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25183-6