IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/asiaps/v12y2025i1ne70002.html

The BRICS Nations Framework for Curbing Carbon Emissions: Evidence From Energy Intensity, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Xuying Zhu
  • Hadi Hussain
  • Song Fang

Abstract

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the escalating challenges of global environmental pollution and the imperative to mitigate energy intensity stand as paramount concerns. As a result, this study aims to construct a comprehensive framework that acknowledges the interplay between energy intensity, the stringency of environmental policies, and the integration of renewable energy within BRICS nations. Utilizing a panel dataset covering the years 1991–2021, this study employs a range of econometric methods such as cross‐sectional dependence tests, second‐generation unit root tests, and panel co‐integration analysis. The results reveal the pivotal roles of energy intensity, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the enforcement of stringent environmental policies in mitigating carbon emissions. Additional analysis indicates that the impact of energy intensity in lowering carbon emissions is strengthened when institutional quality and research and development capabilities reach a certain threshold, thereby offsetting the impact of openness. In accordance, the present study suggests adopting a versatile and inclusive policy approach to effectively decrease carbon emissions, providing insights for policymakers in crafting climate change mitigation strategies and fostering sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuying Zhu & Hadi Hussain & Song Fang, 2025. "The BRICS Nations Framework for Curbing Carbon Emissions: Evidence From Energy Intensity, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Policy," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:asiaps:v:12:y:2025:i:1:n:e70002
    DOI: 10.1002/app5.70002
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.70002
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/app5.70002?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sachs,Jeffrey D. & Kroll,Christian & Lafortune,Guillame & Fuller,Grayson & Woelm,Finn, 2022. "Sustainable Development Report 2022," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781009210034, Enero-Abr.
    2. Li, Yaowang & Yang, Xuxin & Du, Ershun & Liu, Yuliang & Zhang, Shixu & Yang, Chen & Zhang, Ning & Liu, Chang, 2024. "A review on carbon emission accounting approaches for the electricity power industry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    3. M. Hashem Pesaran, 2021. "General diagnostic tests for cross-sectional dependence in panels," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 13-50, January.
    4. Rajesh Sharma & Muhammad Shahbaz & Pradeep Kautish & Xuan Vinh Vo, 2023. "Diversified imports as catalysts for ecological footprint: examining the BRICS experience," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 3153-3181, April.
    5. Independent Evaluation Group, 2022. "Results and Performance of the World Bank Group 2022," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 37677, April.
    6. Liu, Xuemei & Yuan, Shuhan & Yu, Haoran & Liu, Zheng, 2023. "How ecological policy stringency moderates the influence of industrial innovation on environmental sustainability: The role of renewable energy transition in BRICST countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 194-204.
    7. Wu, Jie & Zhu, Qingyuan & Liang, Liang, 2016. "CO2 emissions and energy intensity reduction allocation over provincial industrial sectors in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 282-291.
    8. Muhammad Khan & Seong-Min Yoon, 2021. "Financial instability and environmental degradation: a panel data investigation," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(54), pages 6319-6331, November.
    9. Joakim Westerlund, 2008. "Panel cointegration tests of the Fisher effect," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 23(2), pages 193-233.
    10. M. Hashem Pesaran, 2006. "Estimation and Inference in Large Heterogeneous Panels with a Multifactor Error Structure," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 74(4), pages 967-1012, July.
    11. Li, Sheng & Samour, Ahmed & Irfan, Muhammad & Ali, Madad, 2023. "Role of renewable energy and fiscal policy on trade adjusted carbon emissions: Evaluating the role of environmental policy stringency," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 156-165.
    12. Liao, Jixiang & Liu, Xingye & Zhou, Xueyan & Tursunova, Nargiza Rakhimovna, 2023. "Analyzing the role of renewable energy transition and industrialization on ecological sustainability: Can green innovation matter in OECD countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 141-151.
    13. Hashem Pesaran, M. & Yamagata, Takashi, 2008. "Testing slope homogeneity in large panels," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 142(1), pages 50-93, January.
    14. Li, Menghan & Zaidan, Amal Mousa & Ageli, Mohammed Moosa & Wahab, Salman & Khan, Zeeshan, 2023. "Natural resources, environmental policies and renewable energy resources for production-based emissions: OECD economies evidence," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    15. Peter C. B. Phillips & Donggyu Sul, 2003. "Dynamic panel estimation and homogeneity testing under cross section dependence *," Econometrics Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 6(1), pages 217-259, June.
    16. Xiaoyang Sun & Baosheng Zhang & Xu Tang & Benjamin C. McLellan & Mikael Höök, 2016. "Sustainable Energy Transitions in China: Renewable Options and Impacts on the Electricity System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-20, November.
    17. Huan Zhang, 2021. "Technology Innovation, Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions in the Context of Carbon Neutrality: Evidence from BRICS," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-22, October.
    18. Mahapatra, Bamadev & Irfan, Mohd, 2021. "Asymmetric impacts of energy efficiency on carbon emissions: A comparative analysis between developed and developing economies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    19. Huaping Sun & Muhammad Ikram & Muhammad Mohsin & Qaiser Abbas, 2021. "Energy Security And Environmental Efficiency: Evidence From Oecd Countries," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 66(02), pages 489-506, March.
    20. M. Hashem Pesaran, 2007. "A simple panel unit root test in the presence of cross-section dependence," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 265-312.
    21. Sachs,Jeffrey D. & Kroll,Christian & Lafortune,Guillame & Fuller,Grayson & Woelm,Finn, 2022. "Sustainable Development Report 2022," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781009210089, Enero-Abr.
    22. Afshan, Sahar & Ozturk, Ilhan & Yaqoob, Tanzeela, 2022. "Facilitating renewable energy transition, ecological innovations and stringent environmental policies to improve ecological sustainability: Evidence from MM-QR method," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 151-160.
    23. Independent Evaluation Group, 2022. "Results and Performance of the World Bank Group 2022," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 38368, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Zhang, Xuan & Hasan, Mohammad Maruf & Waris, Umra, 2024. "Assessing the nexus between natural resources and government effectiveness: Role of green innovation in shaping environmental sustainability of BRICS nations," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    2. Ozcan, Burcu, 2013. "The nexus between carbon emissions, energy consumption and economic growth in Middle East countries: A panel data analysis," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1138-1147.
    3. Chuimin Kong & Jijian Zhang & Albert Henry Ntarmah & Yusheng Kong & Hong Zhao, 2022. "Carbon Neutrality in the Middle East and North Africa: The Roles of Renewable Energy, Economic Growth, and Government Effectiveness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-24, August.
    4. Bin Amin, Sakib & Taghizadeh-Hesary, Farhad & Khan, Farhan & Manal Rahman, Faria, 2024. "Does technology have a lead or lag role in economic growth? The case of selected resource-rich and resource-scarce countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    5. Zheng, Li & Yuan, Ling & Khan, Zeeshan & Badeeb, Ramez Abubakr & Zhang, Leilei, 2023. "How G-7 countries are paving the way for net-zero emissions through energy efficient ecosystem?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    6. Apergis, Nicholas & Katsaiti, Marina-Selini, 2018. "Poverty and the resource curse: Evidence from a global panel of countries," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(2), pages 211-223.
    7. Dong, Kangyin & Sun, Renjin & Hochman, Gal & Li, Hui, 2018. "Energy intensity and energy conservation potential in China: A regional comparison perspective," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 782-795.
    8. Haiying Liu & Avik Sinha & Mehmet Akif Destek & Majed Alharthi & Muhammad Wasif Zafar, 2022. "Moving toward sustainable development of sub‐Saharan African countries: Investigating the effect of financial inclusion on environmental quality," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(6), pages 2015-2024, December.
    9. Yener Coskun & Burak Sencer Atasoy & Giacomo Morri & Esra Alp, 2018. "Wealth Effects on Household Final Consumption: Stock and Housing Market Channels," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-32, June.
    10. Michael Appiah & Bright Akwasi Gyamfi & Tomiwa Sunday Adebayo & Festus Victor Bekun, 2023. "Do financial development, foreign direct investment, and economic growth enhance industrial development? Fresh evidence from Sub-Sahara African countries," Portuguese Economic Journal, Springer;Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestao, vol. 22(2), pages 203-227, May.
    11. Sun, Huaping & Samuel, Clottey Attuquaye & Kofi Amissah, Joshua Clifford & Taghizadeh-Hesary, Farhad & Mensah, Isaac Adjei, 2020. "Non-linear nexus between CO2 emissions and economic growth: A comparison of OECD and B&R countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    12. Zhao, Weijun & Hafeez, Muhammad & Gao, Weiming & Gaudreault, Francis & Alsayer, Ibrahim A. & Attar, Razaz Waheeb, 2025. "Bioenergy technologies and forest resources: Pathways to a sustainable green economy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    13. Syed Asif Ali Naqvi & Bilal Hussain & Ashfaq Ahmad Shah & Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq & Muhammad Usman, 2022. "Influence of Economic Growth, Energy Production, and Subcomponents on the Environment: A Regional Level Analytical Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    14. Yilmaz Bayar & Marius Dan Gavriletea, 2019. "Energy efficiency, renewable energy, economic growth: evidence from emerging market economies," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(4), pages 2221-2234, July.
    15. Paramati, Sudharshan Reddy & Apergis, Nicholas & Ummalla, Mallesh, 2017. "Financing clean energy projects through domestic and foreign capital: The role of political cooperation among the EU, the G20 and OECD countries," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 62-71.
    16. Arjun & Bibhuti Ranjan Mishra, 2025. "Asymmetric role of environmental policy stringency, fiscal, and monetary policy on environmental sustainability: Evidence from BRICS‐T countries," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 49(2), pages 1187-1218, May.
    17. Tarik Dogru & Umit Bulut & Ercan Sirakaya-Turk, 2021. "Modeling tourism demand: Theoretical and empirical considerations for future research," Tourism Economics, , vol. 27(4), pages 874-889, June.
    18. Nicholas Apergis & Ibrahim Arisoy, 2017. "Unemployment and labor force participation across the US States: new evidence from panel data," SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, vol. 67(4), pages 45-84, October-D.
    19. Clement Olalekan Olaniyi & Nicholas Mbaya Odhiambo, 2025. "Do natural resource rents aid renewable energy transition in resource‐rich African countries? The roles of institutional quality and its threshold," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 49(2), pages 1330-1375, May.
    20. Zhu, Jia & Zhou, Pengfei & Shen, Yang, 2024. "Exploring the individual and combined effect of natural resource rents, fin-tech, and renewable energy on sustainable development: New insights from SSA countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bla:asiaps:v:12:y:2025:i:1:n:e70002. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=2050-2680 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.