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Private enterprises solution for fossil fuels transition: Role of ESG and carbon reporting

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  • Bai, Mo
  • Wang, Weixuan
  • Li, Zhigang

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment on China's transition from fossil fuels between 1990 and 2020 using the ARDL approach. The findings indicate that a 1% rise in ESG investment correlates with a 0.18% increase in the fossil fuels transition index in the short term and 0.36% in the long term, facilitating cleaner technologies and lowering CO2 emissions. Additionally, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enhances the transition index through the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. Conversely, a 1% growth in industrial production or export volume negatively impacts the index, reflecting increased fossil fuel dependency. Furthermore, GDP per capita adversely affects the transition, revealing a higher demand for fossil fuel-dependent goods. Policy suggestions include enhancing ESG reporting and auditing, fostering a strong green finance sector, promoting environmental rankings, and increasing public awareness through media and education.

Suggested Citation

  • Bai, Mo & Wang, Weixuan & Li, Zhigang, 2024. "Private enterprises solution for fossil fuels transition: Role of ESG and carbon reporting," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:99:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724007748
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105407
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models

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