Effect of Country Governance on Cross-Border Renewable Energy Investment and Climate Actions in Emerging Countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of country governance on climate actions, specifically climate-change mitigation and adaptation, through cross-border renewable energy investment (CB-REI). Using data from 74 emerging countries from 2008 to 2019, we find that the control of corruption, regulatory quality, citizens’ voices and accountability are the key governance pillars that attract CB-REI, which enhances climate actions. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the CB-REI channel effect is more evident in countries with higher governance quality and carbon emission levels. This study offers policy implications pertaining to governance-related obstacles for CB-REI in emerging countries and their transition toward low-emissions, climate-resilient pathways.