Pollution havens or sustainable development? Quantifying the effects of natural resources and environment on the standard of living in the Asia-Pacific region
Quality and Quantity, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11135-026-03077-2
- Dergi Adı: Quality and Quantity
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Psycinfo, Political Science Abstract (IPSA), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: GDP per capita, Greenhouse gases, Method of moments quantile regression, Standard of living, Total natural resource rent
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Amid Asia’s rapid economic growth and environmental challenges, this study tackles a key research problem: the influence of natural resource rents, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, GDP per capita, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the standard of living, measured as real household final consumption expenditure, in a panel of 35 Asia-Pacific economies from 1990 to 2024. This reveals trade-offs between immediate economic benefits and long-term sustainability, directly linking to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) for improving living standards via balanced policies; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable resource use; and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by addressing emissions to avert Asia becoming a “pollution haven.” Considering slope heterogeneity, cross-sectional dependency, and CIPS unit root test results, the method of moments quantile regression emerges as a suitable model. Effects are assessed via location-based, scale-based, and quantile outcomes. Findings show that natural resource rents negatively impact living standards, emphasizing SDG 12-aligned sustainable practices to counter resource curse effects. GHG emissions are positively associated with living standards in a reduced-form sense—consistent with both pollution-haven and joint growth–emissions channels—while posing long-term environmental threats that motivate SDG 13-focused interventions. FDI boosts living standards, though FDI’s effects wane with country growth, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) policies. GDP per capita positively correlates, especially in higher quantiles, advancing SDG 8. These results offer policymakers evidence-based tools to harmonize economic and environmental goals, achieve SDGs, and elevate Asia’s standard of living.