Analyzing economic growth, eco-innovation, and ecological quality nexus in E-7 countries: accounting for non-linear impacts of urbanization by using a new measure of ecological quality

Zhu P., Ahmed Z., PATA U. K., Khan S., Abbas S.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, cilt.30, sa.41, ss.94242-94254, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 30 Sayı: 41
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11356-023-29017-3
  • Dergi Adı: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.94242-94254
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: E-7, Eco-innovation, Environmental sustainability, Load capacity factor, Urbanization
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The rising urban population and accelerated resource consumption pose major environmental challenges. Given that around 75% of global resources are consumed in urban areas, understanding the true association between urbanization (UR) and ecological quality is necessary for better urban strategies. Alongside this, eco-innovation (ECO) can limit environmental pollution and thus, it is the cornerstone of environmental policies. On that note, this research discloses the nexus between eco-innovation, economic growth (EGR), and ecological quality by considering the non-linear effects of UR in the emerging seven (E-7) nations from 1992 to 2018. Unlike previous literature, the newly developed indicator of ecological quality (the load capacity factor (LCF)) is adopted to understand the connection between UR, eco-innovation, and ecological quality since this new comprehensive indicator is based on both biocapacity and ecological footprint (EF). In the methodology, the “Continuously Updated-Fully Modified” (CuP-FM) test is used since this method offers diverse benefits for panel data estimation by accounting for major panel data estimation issues including autocorrelation, endogeneity, heteroscedasticity, fractional integration, and cross-sectional dependence. The empirical estimates unveiled that the current levels as well as high levels of UR limit the LCF. This evidence suggests that UR in the E-7 nations expands ecological degradation. This finding contradicts the assertions of ecological modernization theory that expanding urbanization brings some ecological benefits. Similarly, economic growth alleviates ecological quality. However, eco-innovation and agricultural land (AGL) contribute to enhancing the LCF and promoting ecological quality. Further, UR and eco-innovation Granger cause the LCF. Lastly, comprehensive urban environmental strategies are discussed to promote sustainable urbanization backed by eco-innovation.