Investigating the Interplay Among Energy Consumption, Environmental Quality, and Health Status in Low- and Middle-Income Asian Countries

Abstract

Energy consumption plays an important role in different economic activities. The growing part of energy consumption in the atmosphere causes enhanced greenhouse gas emissions which increases various health problems. The motive of this study is to explore the correspondence between energy consumption, environment quality, and health status in Asian countries. Life expectancy is dependent and CO₂ mission, Fossil Fuel Energy Consumption, GDP per capita, urbanization, Govt health expenditures are independent variables. We have used panel data from 27 low and 59 middle-income Asian countries from the period 2000 to 2020. The results of this study indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between life expectancy and GDP per capita, and Govt health expenditures. There is a negative and significant kinship between life expectancy, carbon emission, and fossil fuel energy consumption. The results of Granger causality indicate that there exists uni-variate causality between GDP Per Capita, CO₂ emission Domestic govt health expenditures, and Fossil fuel energy consumption. There is bi-variate causality from fossil fuel energy consumption to CO₂ emission and urbanization, CO₂ emission. There is no causality between urbanization, fossil fuel energy consumption &, Domestic govt health expenditures, and CO₂ emission. The policymakers may introduce green technology in production that may help to mitigate the emission of gases that causes environmental degradation. The planners may introduce renewable energy sources that may help to reduce carbon emissions. Further Govt spending on the health sector may improve healthcare facilities.