Environmental implication of international migration on high- and middle-income countries: A comparative analysis

Abstract

In this paper, we researched the implication of international migration and pollution on environmental development of the selected countries which we classified as middle- and upper-income countries. Maintaining good environmental performance while keeping pollution at minimum level amidst international migration has being the global focus towards climate goal. On this premises, this study examines the relationship between international migration and carbon dioxide emission (CO2). Scientific approaches (random-effects model and Driscoll-Kraay standard error estimator) with panel data for the period from 2010 to 2019 are adopted for indepth analysis of the selected countries. The findings according to random-effects model/Driscoll-Kraay standard error estimator suggest the incresae of CO2 due to increase in international migration for the case of middle-income countries. Also, a decrease in CO2 due to increase in international migration is found for high-income countries. Following our main findings, as a function of CO2 emission, we recommend to take identity of people who migrate into consideration for both economics and environment policy. On the other hand, policies should be based on mitigating the negative impact of international migration and economic growth for the middle-income countries. Moreover, environmentally friendly growth technologies are suggested.