Environmental Kuznets Curve Theory Research Articles

Achieving sustainable development in Africa: to what extent trade facilitation matter*?

ABSTRACT Despite the extensive literature on trade facilitation and economic development, little is known about the empirical nexus of trade facilitation and sustainable development. This article analyses the role of trade facilitation in achieving sustainable development in Africa with a focus on the sustainable environment captured by carbon dioxide emissions. By employing two-stage least square and the system generalized method of moment estimators on 36 African countries over the period 2007–2019, the main results reveal a significant positive relationship between trade facilitation and sustainable environment. Moreover, our results support the inverted U-shaped relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions (Environmental Kuznets Curve theory) and between trade facilitation and CO2 emissions in Africa. Our findings suggest that African countries’ model of facilitating trade should actively build on the low-carbon development of hard and soft infrastructures.

Economic complexity, renewable energy and ecological footprint: The role of the housing market in the USA

Prior studies tested the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis via the income channel, but few studies have used the housing market to examine this relationship; these papers are constrained due to the fact that CO2 emission was used as a measure of environmental deterioration, which only accounts for air pollution. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing the housing market to test for the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve using ecological footprint in the case of the USA, which serves as a more comprehensive measure of ecological equality. The present work is the first study to explore the impact of the housing market on ecological footprint in the context of the USA. The study uses the novel bootstraps ARDL approach to assess the effects of the housing market, renewable energy, economic growth, and economic complexity on the ecological footprint in the case of the USA from 1980 to 2018. The outcomes revealed that the impacts of renewable energy and economic complexity on ecological footprint are positive and statistically significant. In addition, the environmental Kuznets curve theory has also been validated in the case of the USA. The empirical results also indicate that the housing market adversely influences ecological quality. Based on the study findings, this study offers several policy implications for the USA policymakers to promote ecological sustainability by formulating comprehensive economic and green energy policies. Furthermore, the study suggests that USA policymakers should promote a high level of complexity through knowledge and skills to achieve a sustainable ecosystem.

Robotics, environmental regulation, and agricultural carbon emissions: an examination of the environmental Kuznets curve theory and moderating effects

IntroductionReducing carbon emissions from agriculture is essential to ensuring food security and human prosperity. As a country with approximately 20% of the global population, China has begun actively practicing the low-carbon agricultural development conception. Against the backdrop of disruptive technologies that continue to be integrated into various industries, the massive application of agricultural robots has opened the way to intelligent agriculture. This paper tries to answer whether there is some non-linear nexus between the application of agricultural robots and agricultural carbon emissions in China. As an essential tool for carbon emission reduction in China, does environmental regulation moderate the nexus between agricultural robot applications and agricultural carbon emissions? If so, how does this effect manifest itself?MethodsThis work takes China as an example by collecting macro-regional panel data from 30 provinces from 2006 to 2019. The environmental Kuznets curve theory is extended to agricultural carbon emissions, and we carried out empirical tests utilizing the panel fixed effects model and the moderating effects model.ResultsThis study verifies the inverted U-shaped nexus between agricultural robotics applications and agricultural carbon emissions in Chinese provinces, i.e., the agricultural carbon emissions (ACE)-Kuznets curve holds. The higher the level of formal environmental regulation, the larger the peak of the ACE-Kuznets curve and the more the inflection point is pushed back. The higher the level of informal environmental regulation, the lower the peak of the ACE-Kuznets curve and the later the inflection point.DiscussionThe findings in this paper represent the first exploration of the environmental Kuznets curve in agricultural carbon emissions. It is noteworthy that the moderating effect of formal environmental regulation does not lower the peak of the curve as we expect. This appearance is attributed to the reality that China is still in a phase of rising agricultural carbon emissions, which is exacerbated by the overlapping positive effects of agricultural robotics applications and formal environmental regulations. Informal environmental regulation is more effective than formal environmental regulation in reducing agricultural carbon emissions at this stage.

Interconnected Forces: Analyzing Urbanization, Economic Growth, Energy Consumption, and Forest Area in the Top 10 Populous Nations’ CO2 Emissions

Economic progress is often seen as a means to enhance living standards, yet it often comes with an unintended consequence: a decline in environmental well-being. This research seeks to validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory within the top 10 most populous nations and scrutinize the impact of urbanization, economic advancement, energy usage, and forest coverage on CO2 emissions. Utilizing data sourced from the World Development Indicator spanning from 2000 to 2019, this study employed a robust analytical approach known as the generalized method of moments (GMM) dynamic panel data, validated through Sargan and Arellano-Bond tests. The findings affirmed that economic growth, energy consumption, and forest area exerted significant influence on carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with the EKC hypothesis. However, contrary to expectation, urbanization didn't display a discernible impact on emissions, likely due to well-integrated transportation systems and higher educational standards prevalent in urban settings. This underscores the necessity for a sustainable economic growth strategy, advocating for industries with minimal pollution and eco-friendly products conducive to easy recycling. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at expanding forested areas should consider innovative techniques like vertical garden-based reforestation.

Research on the spatial and temporal impact of commercial banks’ spatial agglomeration on PM2.5 pollution in China

Commercial banks are the main body of the finance industry in China. It is of great significance to study the impact of commercial banks’ spatial agglomeration on PM2.5 for China to develop a green economy. This article selects data from 30 provinces in China, covering 2000 to 2021. This study innovatively utilizes commercial banking institutions’ longitude and latitude geographic coordinate information to build a new indicator to characterize the spatial agglomeration degree of commercial banks. Then, we use the geographically and temporally weighted regression model to investigate the spatio-temporal heterogeneous effect of commercial bank agglomeration on PM2.5. The theoretical mechanism concludes that financial agglomeration exacerbates PM2.5 pollution through the scale effect and can also reduce PM2.5 pollution through technique effect and composition effect. Financial agglomeration and PM2.5 have obvious temporal and spatial differences as well as spatial autocorrelation characteristics. The geographically and temporally weighted regression model's results show that from a national perspective, financial agglomeration can inhibit PM2.5 pollution, but the inhibitory effect is gradually diminishing, indicating that it is imminent for China to further deepen its green financial reform. From the provincial level, the influence of financial agglomeration on PM2.5 has obvious temporal and spatial differences. The inhibitory effects of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei are becoming stronger, and these areas have the best situations. The promoting effects of the three northeastern provinces and Shanxi and other central and western provinces are becoming larger and larger, and these areas have the worst situations. Shanghai and other eastern provinces and Guangxi and other western provinces have respectively brought inhibitory effects and promoting effects, but the effects are all weakening, and the situations are in the middle. The scientific value of this study lies in the following: First, this study combines the environmental Kuznets curve theory for mechanism analysis, providing a scientific theoretical basis for subsequent related research. Second, the financial agglomeration index constructed in this study provides a scientific reference for academic circles to more accurately investigate the relationship between financial agglomeration and environmental pollution. Third, this study reveals the temporal and spatial differences in the impact of financial agglomeration on PM2.5 pollution by using the geographically and temporally weighted regression model for the first time, pointing out the focus and direction for decoupling economic growth and PM2.5 pollution under the influence of financial agglomeration in China provinces. With China's efforts to achieve green sustainable development, this study provides new ideas and valuable insights into the driving factors of green economic growth in China.

STUDY ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA'S EXPORT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN THE YANGTZE RIVER ECONOMIC BELT UNDER THE BACKGROUND OF "DOUBLE CARBON"

As a core part of the national economy, manufacturing is the key to achieving sustainable economic development. However, the development of China's manufacturing industry faces many problems, such as poor industrial structure, lack of key core technologies, and serious overcapacity, which seriously affect the quality of China's manufacturing industry. The Yangtze River Economic Belt not only has great strategic significance for coordinating the development of the east, middle and west China, but also a demonstration belt for the sustainable development of manufacturing industries. Amid the Chinese government's "double carbon" implementation in 2020, how to transform and upgrade these export manufacturing enterprises and find a path to sustainable development is a major challenge they will have to face. Therefore, on the basis of combing domestic and foreign literature, taking "quality-sustainable development-sustainable development of manufacturing industry" as the logic line, and combine the theory of sustainable development, environmental Kuznets curve theory, equatorial principle theory, and corporate governance theory. Second, it measures and evaluates the sustainable development of manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2007 to 2019 through quantitative research. Conclusions: When assessing the status, the quality level of sustainable development of manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt has been steadily improving, more than 80% of the provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt have high and medium quality. Finally, targeted countermeasures and proposals are put forward.

Assessing the environmental sustainability gap in G20 economies: The roles of economic growth, energy mix, foreign direct investment, and population

There is serious debate among researchers regarding the sustainability implications of economic prosperity and energy dependence. Energy consumption has a critical linkage with economic growth, but it also degrades environmental quality. Therefore, it is important to investigate the relationship between economic growth, the energy mix, and environmental sustainability. However, empirical literature utilizes narrow variables to capture environmental sustainability. Because of this, this research introduces a new environmental sustainability variable using entropy weighting and combining deforestation, household carbon emissions, and life expectancy. This study examines the relationship between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and other selected variables using data from 2002 to 2019 for the G20 and its high-, upper-, and low-middle-income member countries. Since shocks in one G20 country can affect another, this study uses the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) technique for empirical analysis. The results of this study indicate that Gross Domestic Product (EG) and its square term did not support the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory. The energy mix has a positive impact on the environmental sustainability gap across all the samples except for the upper-middle-income group. Foreign direct investment positively affects this gap, while population growth has no significant impact. These findings demonstrate that policymakers should support environmentally friendly and clean energy sources to foster long-term economic growth and sustainability.

Harnessing the Power of EKC and RKC: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to examine the validity and applicability of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory within the framework of the Resource Kuznets Curve (RKC). Specifically, the study aims to analyze empirical evidence and underlying factors to understand the relationship between environmental degradation and income levels across six major economies: Germany, France, Japan, Canada, UK, and US, spanning the period of 1961–2018.
  
 Methods: To achieve the objectives outlined, this study utilizes empirical analysis techniques. Data from the specified economies are collected and analyzed to discern patterns and relationships between environmental degradation, income levels, and other relevant variables. Statistical methods and econometric modeling are employed to evaluate the shape and dynamics of the relationship, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved.
  
 Results: The analysis reveals both an N-shaped and a U-shaped pattern in the relationship between environmental degradation and income levels across the selected economies. These findings suggest that the relationship between environmental degradation and economic development is multifaceted and nonlinear, indicating the presence of critical thresholds and turning points. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of clean energy consumption and renewable energy adoption in mitigating pollution and fostering sustainable economic growth.
  
 Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory within the context of the Resource Kuznets Curve (RKC). The identification of an N-shaped and a U-shaped pattern underscores the need for nuanced policy interventions aimed at balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. Policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to formulate effective strategies for promoting clean energy adoption, reducing pollution, and fostering long-term environmental quality and economic growth.

Urbanization and Its Impact on Environmental Sustainability

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to assess urbanization and its impact on environmental sustainability.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to urbanization and its impact on environmental sustainability. The study highlighted the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization, including habitat loss, resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental justice issues. However, it also underscores the potential for sustainable urban planning and innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges. To achieve environmental sustainability in urban areas, the study suggests the need for equitable development policies, resource-efficient technologies, and conservation efforts. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of addressing the complex relationship between urbanization and the environment to ensure a sustainable future for urban populations and ecosystems.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Urban Ecology Theory, Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) may be used to anchor future studies on urbanization and environmental sustainability. The study recommended that to promote environmental sustainability amidst rapid urbanization, comprehensive urban planning, embracing clean and renewable energy sources, improving water management and sanitation, and fostering environmental education and awareness are essential. Implementing these recommendations can lead to more eco-friendly cities with reduced resource consumption, lower pollution levels, and engaged, environmentally conscious communities, ultimately benefiting both present and future generations.

Incidence of Energy Consumption, Mining Sector and Economic Growth on CO2 Emission Levels: Evidence from Peru

Environmental pollution and its harmful effects have become a growing topic of study in recent years because the exploitation of resources, rationalized by the prevailing desire for economic growth, is going to directly affect the sustainability of our existing ecosystem in the coming decades. This is considering that there are productive sectors that have a larger environmental footprint, such as the mining industry. This study focuses on establishing the relationship between the variables of energy consumption, GDP per capita, and mineral rents and their impact on the level of pollution by CO2 emissions in the period 1971–2019, using the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory. To this end, we used statistical and econometric tools based on the ARDL dynamic model through a time series analysis starting from historical data. We concluded that the variables CEpc, PBIpc, and RM have deleterious effects as a 1% increase in these variables increases the level of environmental pollution by CO2 emissions by 0.724%, 0.136%, and 0.061%, respectively.

Technology transfer for green investments: exploring how technology transfer through foreign direct investments can contribute to sustainable practices and reduced environmental impact in OIC economies.

Estimating the asymmetrical influence of foreign direct investment is the primary goal of the current study. In addition, further controlled variables affect environmental degradation in OIC nations. Due to this, current research employs the asymmetric (NPARDL) approach and the data period from 1980 to 2021 to estimate about viability of the EKC (environmental Kuznets curve) theory. The study utilized greenhouse gas (GHG) including emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ecological footprint as substantial parameters of environmental quality. A nonlinear link between foreign direct investments, trade openness, economic growth, urbanization, energy consumption, and environmental pollution with CO2, N2O, CH4, and ecological footprint in the OIC nations is confirmed by the study's outcomes, which however reveals inconsistent results. Furthermore, the results also show that wrong conclusions might result from disregarding intrinsic nonlinearities. The study's conclusions provide the most important recommendations for decision-makers.

Tác động môi trường của tăng trưởng kinh tế: Tiếp cận bằng mô hình ngưỡng bảng động

The paper uses the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) theory to study the environmental impact of economic growth in 17 Asian countries in the period 1996-2019 and at the same time search for the income threshold which causes a change in direction of impact. A dynamic panel threshold regression model is used. The findings show that economic growth has an inverted U-shaped nonlinear effect on environmental degradation. Accordingly, economic growth increases the impact on degradation when GDP per capita is low, but when it exceeds the threshold point (12487 USD thousand/person/year), economic growth helps to improve environmental quality. When comparing the difference in impact between the group of developed and developing countries, our results again confirm these findings. This result provided evidence that the EKC hypothesis exists in Asian countries. In addition, energy consumption, foreign direct investment, trade openness, and institutional quality significantly impact CO2 emissions. Some policy implications are suggested to reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable economic development in Asia based on the research results

Environmental footprint impacts of green energies, green energy finance and green governance in G7 countries

The demand for resources and energy increases as the global population grows, leading to increased ecological and carbon footprints. This study aims to contribute to the global sustainability agenda by assessing the impact of green energy projects, green energy finance, and green governance on reducing ecological and carbon footprints in G7 countries from 1990 to 2020. The findings reveal that there is a noteworthy negative association between ecological footprint, green governance, geothermal energy consumption, hydro-power consumption, and green energy finance. However, a significant positive correlation exists between ecological footprint and biofuels. Additionally, the outcomes lend support to the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory in G7 nations. Carbon footprints are evaluated in this study as an alternate measure, and the results are similarly robust. These insights hold the potential to guide policy decisions and investment strategies, and promote the shift to a low-carbon economy by highlighting the connections between the adoption of green energies, green energy finance, green governance, and carbon and ecological footprint reduction, thus paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Pathways towards carbon neutrality in low carbon cities: The role of green patents, R&D and energy use for carbon emissions

China is adopting innovative strategies to mitigate the carbon emissions and to enhance environmental sustainability. China's pilot low-carbon city program is a comprehensive program to attain carbon neutrality and green transformation. The current research is an attempt to explore the dynamic relationship between green patents, energy use, research and development (R&D) expenditure, and carbon dioxide emissions of Chinese cities considered for the China Pilot Low Carbon City Program (CPLCCP). The prime objective of current research is to examine the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory in the context of energy use, R&D and green patents. This objective is realized by employing CS-ARDL, Q-ARDL, and Granger's non-causality approach on panel data of 118 Chinese cities for the period of 2003 to 2020. The estimated result reveals that allocating resources towards R&D and green technological innovation can substantially increase environmental sustainability across various quantiles. Furthermore, the empirical findings validate the existence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory. The study suggests fruitful insights for policymakers and stakeholders committed apropos sustainable development and carbon neutrality of China.

The impact of government policy, natural resources and ecological innovations on energy transition and environmental sustainability: Insights from China

This study examines the significant ecological consequences of the correlation between plentiful natural resources and ecological pollution. This study seeks to analyze the influence of natural resources, economic integration, eco-innovation, and clean energy on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) phenomenon within the context of China. The researchers use a state-of-the-art dynamic autoregressive distributive lag (D-ARDL) to examine the dataset from 1981 to 2021. Using this method, they are able to produce models that represent the contributing variables, including both positive and negative elements. According to the findings, ecological degradation tends to slow down when natural resources are used, but environmental health is negatively impacted by economic integration. Maintaining ecological balance is largely dependent on the acceptance of eco-innovations and the promotion of energy efficiency. This research provides actual evidence in favors of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, especially in rapidly developing economies such as China. Furthermore, it promotes the use of strict legal measures as a successful strategy for restoring ecological integrity.

Financial innovation, environmental degradation, and environmental Kuznets curve trends in China.

This study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) theory and its possible relevance in the context of China and the complex and one-of-a-kind interaction between financial innovation, environmental deterioration, and China. China's fast industrialization and consequent economic expansion have been accompanied by significant environmental difficulties, despite the country's status as the world's second largest economy. The research takes a secondary data approach to its investigation of this topic, drawing on a large dataset that spans many decades to ensure a thorough examination of the dynamic interaction between financial innovation and numerous environmental variables. The primary objective of this research is to determine whether or not recent developments in financial technology have contributed to the current trends of environmental degradation in China. In keeping with the central tenet of the EKC hypothesis, this study uses cutting-edge econometric techniques to investigate the existence of nonlinear correlations and inflection points. In addition, the research analyzes how policy interventions and regulatory measures have shaped the tendencies spotted. In elucidating the usefulness of financial innovation as a tool for promoting environmental betterment, this study's findings substantially contribute to the current discussion around sustainable development and economic policy. This research also carefully assesses the applicability of the EKC theory in China, providing insights that may be used to inform future environmental policy decisions. Ultimately, the success of measures to promote sustained economic growth and the preservation of the environment in China depends on an in-depth understanding of these delicate relationships. In addition, the lessons learned from this study have the potential to serve as a guide for economies facing similar difficulties.

Nexus between environmental sustainability, energy intensity and food security: evidence from emerging economies

PurposeGrowing food insecurity is a leading cause of fatalities, particularly in developing nations like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. However, the rising energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are mostly associated with food production. Balancing the trade-offs between energy intensity and food security remains a top priority for environmentalists. Despite the critical role of the environment in food security, there is a scarcity of substantial studies that explore the statistical connections among food security, CO2 emissions, energy intensity, foreign direct investment (FDI) and per capita income. Therefore, this study aims to provide more precise and consistent estimates of per capita CO2 emissions by considering the interplay of food security and energy intensity within the context of emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the long-term relationships between CO2 emissions, food security, energy efficiency, FDI and economic development in emerging economies, this study employs correlated panel-corrected standard error, regression with Newey–West standard error and regression with Driscoll–Kraay standard error models (XTSCC). The analysis utilizes data spanning from 1980 to 2018 and encompasses 32 emerging economies.FindingsThe study reveals that increasing food security in a developing economy has a substantial positive impact on both CO2 emissions and energy intensity. Each model, on average, demonstrates that a 1 percent improvement in food security results in a 32% increase in CO2 levels. Moreover, the data align with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, as it indicates a positive correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) in developing nations and CO2 emissions. Finally, all experiments consistently demonstrate a robust correlation between the Food Security Index (FSI), energy intensity level (EIL) and exchange rate (EXR) in developing markets and CO2 emissions. This suggests that these factors significantly contribute to environmental performance in these countries.Originality/valueThis study introduces novelty by employing diverse techniques to uncover the mixed findings regarding the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic expansion. Additionally, it integrates energy intensity and food security into a new model. Moreover, the study contributes to the literature by advocating for a sustainable development goal (SDG)-oriented policy framework that considers all variables influencing economic growth.

Analysis of the Evolution Law of China's Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions

Global CO2 emissions are on the rise, thus governments are increasingly concerned about carbon emissions. As the trend of China's carbon emissions is also changing, previous studies have looked for factors affecting carbon emissions, including energy and economy, etc. This paper uses the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory to have a descriptive statistical analysis of carbon emissions and related economic indicators in mainland China. In the period that follows, China's energy demand potential is huge, but it also faces a severe CO₂ emission reduction challenge. Improving energy efficiency and optimizing energy mix are effective solutions to China's carbon emission problem. China still has a long way to go in industrializing its economy and strengthening the structural transformation of the service sector, characterized by rapid development and huge energy demand. This study will help us to understand the evolution of carbon emissions in China and provide guidance for future carbon emission management and mitigation. Further research and actions to improve energy efficiency, adjust industrial structure and promote clean energy development are important for reducing China's carbon emissions.

Sustainable Energy Investment and Environmental Development

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate sustainable energy investment and environmental development
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The study's findings investigated the relationship between sustainable energy investment and environmental development across multiple countries. Using panel data analysis, they found a significant and positive correlation between sustainable energy investment and indicators of environmental development, including reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality. This suggests that directing resources toward sustainable energy projects can effectively contribute to better environmental outcomes. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize and incentivize sustainable energy investment, as it can play a pivotal role in achieving environmental goals and fostering global sustainability.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Theory and Ecological Modernization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Sustainable Energy Investment and Environmental Development. Prioritize energy efficiency measures in industries, buildings, and transportation. Collaborate with other nations to share best practices, technologies, and policies for sustainable energy and environmental development.

In-depth analysis of the effect of decomposed growth on the environment: A global perspective.

The traditional Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, which establishes a relationship between economic growth and a select number of pollutants, does not fully capture the broad and nuanced impacts on environmental qualityThis research examines the implications of decomposed economic growth by considering the separate contributions of scale, composition, and technique effects on environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The research spans 121 countries from 2001-2019, using robust statistical methods, including Driscoll-Kraay standard error, fully modified ordinary least squares, and panel quantile estimation techniques. The study reveals complex relationships that depend on countries' income levels. A predominantly positive and non-linear relationship between the scale effect and environmental health is observed for the full sample of countries and for low-income countries. The scale effect also shows a non-linear and predominantly positive relationship with ecosystem vitality in lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income countries. The association between the composition effect and environmental health is inverted U-shaped in lower-middle-income countries, while it is mostly negative and non-linear in low-income and high-income countries. For ecosystem vitality, the composition effect shows a negative, non-linear relationship in all sampled countries, but a positive, non-linear relationship in higher-income countries. The relationship between the technology effect and environmental health is largely positive and non-linear in all sampled countries, lower-middle-income countries, upper-middle-income countries, and higher-income countries. However, the relationship is negative in lower-middle-income countries. These results have important policy implications. Governments are encouraged to adopt renewable, sustainable, and low-carbon technologies to address the scale effect. In addition, the formulation and enforcement of stringent environmental regulations for polluting industries is crucial, given the significant impact of the composition effect.