The impact of population ageing on the environmental quality in late-demographic dividend countries

Abstract

PurposeThe current study examined the impact of population ageing on environmental quality in 17 late-demographic dividend (LDD) countries.Design/methodology/approachThe panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model using pooled mean group (PMG) estimator based on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis was used to analyse data for the period 1990–2018.FindingsThe empirical results demonstrated that in the long run, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decrease with population ageing. The prevailing findings also indicated no sufficient evidence of EKC hypothesis validity and electricity consumption, which is the primary driving force of CO2 emissions in LDD countries.Originality/valueUnlike prior works, this paper is among the first to discuss environmental quality due to the current demographic transition towards ageing among LDD countries. Based on the results, population ageing reduces the environmental deterioration. The identification of possible ageing impact is vital to combat the climate change in order for countries to achieve sustainability, better economy and quality environment.

The effect of population aging on environmental degradation: new evidence and insights

“…Results show that population aging mitigates environmental degradation. Other studies have also confirmed this view (Yang et al ., 2021; Yaziz et al ., 2022). We observe this pattern irrespective of the aging indicator employed as a control variable.…”

“…Empirical outcomes disclose that economic growth (lGDPreal) is positively associated with energy consumption (lenergy) and CO2 emissions (lco2em), especially under the MG estimator (columns 1–5). From the economic perspective, increasing income spurs the demand for energy consumption and enhances carbon emissions due to lifestyle trends of the wealthy such as high levels of car ownership, high domestic usage due to a large assortment of appliances and high industry concentration in wealthier regions (Shahbaz et al ., 2022; Yaziz et al ., 2022).…”

“…In most recent empirical analyses, uncovering the relevant drivers of climate change mitigation remains one of the most controversial and urgent issues. As to whether population aging can lead to lower energy consumption, many authors have put forth different views (Estiri and Zagheni, 2019; Pais-Magalhães et al ., 2020, 2022; Yaziz et al ., 2022). Still, the challenge of population aging on economic degradation remains unclear.…”