Environmental issues, economic growth, and fertility rate in developing regions: From theory to robust empirical policies.

Abstract

The researchers aim to examine the effects of environmental pollutants on the total fertility rate in developing regions and test the validity of an environmental theory. The researchers adopt countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions as case studies. Environmental issues are captured using carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (NO₂) and methane (CH₄) emissions. The researchers anchored the environmental theory affecting fertility rate on the Environmental Kuznets Curve/Hypothesis (EKC), which explains the relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth through total fertility rate (TFR). A longitudinal survey method, otherwise known as panel regression analysis, covering a substantial period (1970-2019) is adopted. The empirical results show that environmental issues effects on fertility rate are relatively more severe in countries in the MENA region, followed by the ECOWAS region and less pronounced in the ASEAN region both in the current period and projected future. Based on the results, robust policies are recommended to mitigate environmental and fertility issues and thus stimulate growth and development in these focal regions.