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The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC): a logistic curve?

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  • Sanjeev Sobhee

Abstract

This study argues that the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) can be shaped as a logistic curve rather than a mere quadratic equation. Instead of being modelled as a polynomial of degree two, the EKC can be characterized by a polynomial of degree three. The inverted-U shape remains. However, in the proposed specification, what matters, is the rate at which total environmental degradation (TED) occurs, that is, marginal environmental degradation (MED). When TED is quadratic, MED is linearly represented with respect to per capita output. This is considered to be inconsistent with real-life situations, and instead a quadratic MED is postulated, from which a logistic EKC is derived. Prior to a given income threshold, MED rises, attains a maximum at the threshold, and falls ultimately beyond it. This formulation of the EKC conforms to the probabilistic econometric models usually applied in environmental studies.

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  • Sanjeev Sobhee, 2004. "The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC): a logistic curve?," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(7), pages 449-452.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:apeclt:v:11:y:2004:i:7:p:449-452
    DOI: 10.1080/1350485042000207216
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    6. Enrico Maria Mosconi & Andrea Colantoni & Filippo Gambella & Eva Cudlinová & Luca Salvati & Jesús Rodrigo-Comino, 2020. "Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve: The Spatial Interaction between Economy and Territory," Economies, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-20, September.
    7. Ourvashi Bissoon, 2018. "A modified EKC for sustainability assessment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A panel data analysis," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 2, pages 51-68,69-83.
    8. Mbatu, Richard S., 2015. "Domestic and international forest regime nexus in Cameroon: An assessment of the effectiveness of REDD+ policy design strategy in the context of the climate change regime," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 46-56.
    9. Liange Zhao & Jianfeng Zou & Zhijian Zhang, 2020. "Does China’s Municipal Solid Waste Source Separation Program Work? Evidence from the Spatial-Two-Stage-Least Squares Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-20, February.
    10. Lerato Shikwambana & Paidamwoyo Mhangara & Mahlatse Kganyago, 2021. "Assessing the Relationship between Economic Growth and Emissions Levels in South Africa between 1994 and 2019," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-15, March.

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