The asymmetric and long-run effect of energy productivity on environmental degradation in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Energy efficiency offers a vast, low-cost energy resource for the economy, but only if the nation can craft a comprehensive and innovative approach to unlock it. One of the most viable options is to invest in energy productivity. This study examines the asymmetric and long-run effects of energy productivity on environmental degradation while controlling for renewable energy, economic growth, and financial development, utilizing the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag model and other robust econometric techniques in the United Kingdom during the period 1990Q1–2020Q4. The United Kingdom is one of the world's wealthiest countries; its environment is being severely strained and is challenged in boasting massive investments to reduce CO2emissions to 78% by 2035. Given the important scenarios for energy efficiency, this study outcome indicates that (a) energy productivity has been beneficial for reducing carbon emissions; (b) renewable energy sources significantly mitigate carbon emissions in the United Kingdom, and (c) economic growth and financial development cause to increase carbon emissions in the United Kingdom. Given the findings, some policy recommendations abound. The negative statistically significant coefficient of renewable energy is an indication that the expansion of renewable energy is essential to achieving clean and sustainable growth. Furthermore, policymakers should enact new environmental laws that prioritize R&D and embrace cleaner technologies.