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Determinants of CO2 emissions: exploring the unexplored in low-income countries

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Abstract

In thirst for economic growth, economies are engaged in anti-environmental activities that drive them towards climate change and CO2 emissions. Extensive CO2 emissions is a serious threat around the globe, especially in low-income countries that can prove detrimental to the environment. To prevent the worst impacts of carbon emission, it becomes necessary to explore the cause of CO2 emissions. In this vein, this work is conducted to evaluate the determinants of CO2 emissions in low-income countries spanning from 2000 to 2020. For estimation of models, panel data techniques are employed. The outcome of the study revealed that trade FDI, urbanization, and GDP per capita are the main contributing factors to environmental degradation. Trade openness has also impacted environmental degradation positively but insignificantly. In contrast, population density and domestic credit to private sector (DCPS) have negatively impacted low-income countries’ carbon emissions. The study extended important policy implications to low-income countries’ governments and environmental policymakers.

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Notes

  1. https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan

    Syed Azmat Ali Shah & Muhammad Tahir

  2. Department of Management and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

    Syed Quaid Ali Shah

Authors
  1. Syed Azmat Ali Shah
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  2. Syed Quaid Ali Shah
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  3. Muhammad Tahir
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Contributions

Muhammad Tahir introduced the idea while Syed Azmat Ali Shah wrote the introduction section and collected data and have done formal analysis. Syed Quaid Ali Shah wrote the introduction section and provided commentary on analysis. Muhammad Tahir edited the final draft. All authors have approved the draft for submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Muhammad Tahir.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Appendices

Appendix 1

Table 4

Table 4 Country list of low-income countries (21)
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Appendix 2

Table 5

Table 5 Measurement of the variables and data sources
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Appendix 3

Table 6

Table 6 Correlation matrix
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Appendix 4

Table 7

Table 7 Hausman test
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Shah, S.A.A., Shah, S.Q.A. & Tahir, M. Determinants of CO2 emissions: exploring the unexplored in low-income countries. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 48276–48284 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19319-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19319-3

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