Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Limited literature and scarcity of empirical studies on the Environmental Brundtland Curve (EBC) hypothesis has left a research gap that needs to be filled. Practically, no empirical studies can be found on the topic though sufficient theoretical literature has been discussed on the subject. The debate remains on how relevant is the EBC hypothesis in the search of related theories on the issue of environment and development nexus. The proposed study examines whether economic growth drives air pollution in developing economies. The research approach is deductive since the study seeks to validate or invalidate a theory. The research design is causal since the study seeks to explain the effect of economic growth on environmental degradation. The research method is quantitative since the study relies on secondary quantitative data to study the relationship between environmental degradation and economic growth. The target population represents 81 nations across the globe. From this number, a sample of 79 countries with high air pollution would constitute the sample size. The sample design is a purposive sampling method since the selected countries must meet certain criteria. The source of data is primarily secondary data. Data are gathered from World Bank Development indicators. The analysis method is an observation of cross-sectional panel data over 60 years from 1960 to 2020. Statistical modelling methods include Cross-sectional dependence test, Unit root test, Cointegration test, Causality test, ARDL. Data are analyzed with the assistance of Microsoft Excel, EViews, RStudio, and Stata.