Abstract
Objective: Developed countries with high use of fossil fuels in production can harm the environment by contributing more to the formation of greenhouse gases on a global scale. In this context, it has been emphasized that they have caused an increase in Covid-19 cases. Thus, it was desired to present a different perspective to policymakers in the fight against the virus.
 Methods: This research comprises the United States. The relationship between Coal Industry CO2 (CCO), Natural Gas Industry CO2 (NCO), Power Industry CO2 (ECO), Petroleum Industry CO2 (OCO), and Covid-19 cases (COV) variables is discussed. Monthly data for the period 2019-2021 were used. The data were compiled from World Health Organization and Our World in Data web resources. In the analyses, the ARDL Boundary Test model was used to capture long and short term causality relationships.
 Results: In general, it shows that fossil energy sources such as coal, oil, electricity and natural gas used in industries play an important role in the increase of Covid-19 cases. Among these energy sources, coal is the one that causes the most effect. Coal is followed by oil, electricity and natural gas, respectively. Accordingly, a 1% change in the US economy due to coal used in production leads to a 1.03% change in Covid-19 cases. Similarly, the effect of oil on Covid-19 cases is 0.61%. The impact of industries using electrical energy based on fossil fuels in their production in Covid-19 cases is 0.26%. It has been determined that the fossil fuel energy source with the least effect with a change of 0.069% in Covid-19 cases is natural gas.
 Conclusions: The findings revealed that the increase in fossil fuels used in industries during the relevant period adversely affected air quality and Covid-19 cases. The increase in the number of cases affects the health sector more than other sectors. If these data are associated with energy sources used in industries (fossil fuels) in the future, they will contribute to the creation of public policies that encourage a new generation of energy sources in production.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
