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Numerous studies regarding the economic growth-environmental pollution link have struggled to determine the effects of various forms of energy consumption on environmental degradation, particularly in the context of emerging economies. This study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for CO 2 emissions in N-11 countries during 1990-2014 by segregating three forms of energy consumption (renewable, biomass and non-renewable). Urbanization and trade openness are additional explanatory variables that are used in the empirical framework. Using the Generalized Moments Method (GMM), the empirical evidence confirms the presence of an N-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation for N-11 countries. This study analyzed the interaction effects among trade openness, biomass consumption and economic growth; these interactions had a negative impact on CO 2 emissions levels of N-11 countries. Suitable policy recommendations have been provided based on the detailed results.

This paper examines the impact of biomass energy consumption on CO2 emissions and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in G-7 countries. We also incorporate capitalization, financial development and globalization measures (economic, social and political) as additional determinants of CO2 emissions. This study covers the period of 1980-2014. We apply the generalized moments method (GMM) for empirical analysis. The empirical results reveal that biomass energy consumption contributes to CO2 emissions. The EKC hypothesis is valid in G-7 countries. Capitalization is inversely linked with CO2 emissions. Financial development deteriorates environmental quality. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness improve environmental quality. Globalization increases CO2 emissions. Institutional quality improves environmental quality through effective economic and environmental policies. Urbanization impedes environmental quality. These results provide new insights for policy makers in designing comprehensive environmental policy by considering biomass energy as an economic tool for sustainable economic development and to improve environmental quality.

This study, based on the N-shaped cubic model of the environmental Kuznets curve, analyzes the evolution of per capita greenhouse gas emissions (GHGpc) using not just economic growth but also public budgets dedicated to energy-oriented research development and demonstration (RD&D) and energy intensity. The empirical evidence, obtained from an econometric model of fixed effects for 28 OECD countries during 1994-2010, suggests that energy innovations help reduce GHGpc levels and mitigate the negative impact of energy intensity on environmental quality. When countries develop active energy RD&D policies, they can reduce both the rates of energy intensity and the level of GHGpc emissions. This paper incorporates a moderating variable to the econometric model that emphasizes the effect that GDP has on energy intensity. It also adds a variable that reflects the difference between countries that have made a greater economic effort in energy RD&D, which in turn corrects the GHG emissions resulting from the energy intensity of each country.

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