What hurt the most? Assessing the influence of pollution and climate change on agricultural sustainability in Asia

Abstract

Agriculture faces unprecedented abiotic and biotic stressors due to climate change and environmental contamination. This consequence serves as a severe warning to our society and a challenge to balance sustainable production with rapid population growth. However, prior studies have not explored how pollution and climate change affect agricultural sustainability individually, particularly in Asia. To do so, we examined the analytical linkages between environmental degradation, climate change, governance, and agriculture in Asian countries. To quantify the long-term estimates, the study employs a fresh econometric approach, such as the generalized method of moments and quantile regression, to test the robustness of all diagnostic checks, notably with the contemplation of outliers performed. The results of panel cointegration tests confirm the long-term interactions between sustainable agriculture and its determinants. Besides this, it is inferred that governance quality, agricultural land, fertilizers, and stock led to increased agricultural production, whereas carbon emissions and temperature change hurt agricultural performance. Moreover, it is asserted that all predictors have a significant predictive capacity for both measures of agricultural sustainability. These findings are the foundation for a comprehensive set of policies designed to achieve Sustainable Development Agenda 2, 8, and 13 through agricultural sustainability.