More press freedom more renewable energy: Analysis for high income OECD countries

Abstract

Although there has been a growing attention in identifying the baseline drivers of renewable energy in the past 10 years, theoretical links and empirical evidence between press freedom and renewable energy are still lacking. This existing gap in the literature brings forth a significant question that necessitates a response: Can press freedom influence renewable energy consumption? The study represents the initial initiative to answer the question by examining the impression of press freedom on renewable energy in 14 high-income OECD countries from 1993 to 2017. Besides, economic growth, carbon-dioxide emission, and trade openness are included in the model. The key evidence suggests that improvements in press freedom are indicative of increased renewable energy consumption. Additionally, economic growth and carbon-dioxide emission are found to increase renewable energy consumption. Despite having a negative coefficient, the impact of trade is not statistically significant. The positive connection between press freedom and renewable energy conceives a significant win-win opportunity for the related countries.