Determinants of Consumption-Based Carbon Emissions in Chile: Application of Non-Linear ARDL

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, a growing number of scholars have employed various proxies of environmental degradation to understand the reasons behind rising environmental degradation. However, very few studies consider consumption-based carbon emissions even though a clear understanding of the impact of consumption patterns is essential to redirecting the pattern to more sustainable consumption. Thus, this study takes a step forward by using consumption-based carbon emissions (CCO2) as a proxy of environmental degradation using the novel non-linear ARDL. To the understanding of the investigators, no prior studies have investigated the drivers of consumption-based carbon emissions utilizing non-linear ARDL. The study employed ADF and KSS (non-linear) tests to check the stationary level of the data series. Additionally, the symmetric and asymmetric ARDL approaches are utilized to explore cointegration and long-run linkages. The results could not find symmetric cointegration among variables; however, the empirical estimates divulge the long-run asymmetric connection of indicators with the CCO2 emissions. The novel results from the asymmetric ARDL unfold that negative and positive changes in economic growth deteriorate the quality of the environment. Interestingly, a reduction in economic growth has a more dominant contribution to environmental degradation. Moreover, positive changes in renewable energy usage improve the quality of the environment in Chile inferring that Chile can achieve a reduction in environmental degradation by boosting renewable energy consumption. Surprisingly, the study found the ineffectiveness of technological innovation in reducing consumption-based carbon emissions which implies that technological innovation in Chile is not directed towards manufacturing green technology. Finally, the policy implications are discussed to reduce consumption-based carbon emissions.