Is it possible to improve environmental quality without reducing economic growth: Evidence from the Qatar economy

Abstract

In line with the priorities of the Qatar national vision (QNV) 2030 and its principal pillars, we examine in this paper the energy use – economic growth nexus for Qatar during the period 1970–2014. Using recent development in both unit roots and ARDL bounds testing approach with structural breaks, we found strong evidence for the growth hypothesis. This result indicates that the Qatari policymakers should recognize that energy conservation policies will have adverse effects on economic growth, and therefore alternative means must be undertaken to preserve the environment. This paper presents and discusses a detailed economic, energy and environmental policies that can help Qatari policymakers in achieving the objective of balance between economic growth and environment quality.