The Journal of Economic Studies and Policies

The Journal of Economic Studies and Policies

Investigating the Impact of ICT and Economic Growth on Environmental Pollution: Case Study of Persian Gulf Countries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Karam Jafariparvizkhanlou 1
Seyed Ali Paytkhati Oskoei 2
Robab Azali 3
1 Ph.D Student of Economy, Azad Islamic University, Tehran Jonoub Branch, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Economy, Azad Islamic University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
3 Ph.D Student of Economy, Azad Islamic University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
10.22096/esp.2021.129466.1364
Abstract
Today, the issue of information and communication technology (ICT) and its role in reducing environmental pollutants is one of the most important issues in environmental economy. In fact, ICT help to increase environmental pollution through the production of ICT machines, energy consumption, and electronic waste recycling. While ICT is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by developing smart cities, transportation systems, power grids, industrial processes and energy savings. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of ICT on carbon dioxide emission in the Persian Gulf countries by panel data method during the period 2000-2015. The results showed that ICT had a direct effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Also square of ICT has a negative and significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Therefor results indicated an inverted U-shaped relationship between ICT and carbon dioxide emissions. Also, economic growth has a direct effect and square of economic growth has a negative effect on carbon dioxide emissions, which confirms the EKC hypothesis. Also, per capita energy consumption and trade have had a direct and significant effect on carbon dioxide emission. According to the results, the Gulf countries can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental pollution by developing information and communication technology.
Keywords
Information and Communication Technology
Environmental Pollution
Economic Growth
Persian Gulf countries
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The Journal of Economic Studies and Policies
Volume 8, Issue 1 - Serial Number 15
Spring - Summer 2021
September 2021
Pages 111-138