Applying Kuznets theory to the analysis of relation between the economic development and greenhouse gas emission

Abstract

Proceeding from the empirical data analysis carried out for Ukraine and 37 other European countries, the author has traced a quadratic relation between the greenhouse gases emission level (at the example of CO2) and the economic development. The analysis focused on researching the possibility and reasonability of applying Kuznets theory to solving the modern environmental and economic issues of balanced nature use and sustainable development. Applying the econometric methods of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and estimating scientific approaches by various scientists to empirical testing of EKC, the author not only proves the reasonability of using Kuznets theory in modern environmental and economic research, he also suggests developing the theory, in particular, by complementing it with a Curve of Environmental Stability of territories.