Do export quality, urbanization and fertility rate affect the ecological footprint? Case study: A panel of developing countries

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of export quality and fertility rate on ecological footprint in a panel of developing countries. For this purpose, panel quantile regression in the period 1990-2014 has been used. Also in this study, the variables of trade openness, urbanization, and GDP per capita were considered as observer variables. Experi- mental results show that the quality of exports and Fertility rate at all levels of the quantile improve the quality of the environment. Open trade and urbanization help to improve the quality of the environment. GDP per capita further degrades the environment. Therefore, policymakers should take into account these factors affecting the ecological footprint and adopt appropriate policies.