Trade competitiveness and sustainable energy practices: The moderating role of ecological footprint

Abul Ala Noman, Faheem Ur Rehman, Irfanullah Khan*, Tahir Saeed

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The existing literature regarding the deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between trade competitiveness, sustainable energy practices, and environmental sustainability is scare in emerging economies. In this regard, this study aims to examine the relationship between trade competitiveness, sustainable energy practices, and the moderating role of ecological footprints in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Using the panel data from 1990 to 2021 by applying Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model (CS-ARDL). The findings of our study reveal that trade competitiveness plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy practices, with countries demonstrating high trade competitiveness exhibiting more robust and favourable approaches to sustainability. Furthermore, the ecological footprint was identified as a critical moderator in this relationship, indicating that countries with strong trade competitiveness can have an even more significant impact on sustainable energy practices when they operate within sustainable ecological boundaries. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to integrate ecological considerations into trade policies, enforce environmental regulations, and promote eco-friendly technologies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100331
JournalEnvironmental and Sustainability Indicators
Volume21
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors

Keywords

  • BRICS
  • CS-ARDL
  • Non-renewable energy
  • Renewable energy
  • Trade competitiveness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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