Examining how environmental policy stringency, geopolitical risks, technological innovation, and renewable energy contribute to achieving sustainable development goals 7 and 13 policies in MINT countries

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to the global economy, environment, and human well-being, putting their long-term sustainability at risk. Based on this fact, the study investigates the heterogeneous effect of renewable energy consumption, environmental-related technologies, technological innovation, environmental policy stringency, and geopolitical risk on carbon emissions in MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey) from 1990 to 2020. The study employs econometric techniques such as Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares, Canonical Cointegration Regression, Feasible Generalized Least Squares, and Method of Moment Quantile Regression approaches to evaluate data attributes. The findings of MMQR demonstrate that renewable energy consumption and environmental policy stringency initially show a positive relationship with CO₂ emissions across various quantiles. Environmental-related technologies, geopolitical risk, and technological innovation demonstrate a consistently negative impact on CO₂ emissions. The causality tests indicate a bidirectional association among the variables. Based on the above results, policymakers should enhance funding for research and development in green technologies tailored to the specific needs of MINT countries and should align their national policies with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 7, 9, and 13.