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What leads to pollution burden shifting among the Belt and Road countries? Evidence from 61 B&R countries

Author

Listed:
  • Yingbin Zhang

    (Hunan University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiang Cai

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Youjin Liu

    (Hunan University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhengli Xu

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Junmei Gao

    (Jinzhong University)

  • Sohail Ahmad Javeed

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

Abstract

What causes the shift in pollution burden among different high-income Belt and Road (B&R) countries? According to the pollution haven hypothesis, international trade (via Preferential Trade Agreements) and foreign direct investment are the key influencing mechanisms of international pollution burden shifting, while technological innovation and environmental provisions also have a significant impact on pollution burden transfer. The purpose of this paper is to examine how pollution burden transfer occurs in B&R countries through studying the impact of these mechanisms on the import and export of ecological footprints. The relevant evidence of pollution transfer is based on balance panel data analysis of 61 countries along B&R from 2009 to 2016. In terms of the different incomes of B&R countries, it has been found: Firstly, under the impetus of preferential trade agreements, the two-way transfer of environmental pollution burden exists in low-income and middle-income of B&R countries, and it also promotes the two-way transfer of pollution burden in middle-income countries through foreign direct investment. Secondly, the environmental provisions have no binding effect on the import and export of ecological footprint of B&R countries. Thirdly, technological innovation has negatively affected the environment of middle-income countries. These conclusions enrich the research on the transfer and influence mechanism of pollution burden among B&R countries. Graphical abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Yingbin Zhang & Xiang Cai & Youjin Liu & Zhengli Xu & Junmei Gao & Sohail Ahmad Javeed, 2023. "What leads to pollution burden shifting among the Belt and Road countries? Evidence from 61 B&R countries," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(6), pages 4831-4862, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:25:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-022-02247-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02247-0
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