Sustainable Pathways: CO2 Emissions, FDI, Trade, and Energy in Post-Communist Economies

Abstract

This study explores the intricate interplay among CO2 emissions, economic development, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, trade, and energy consumption in post-communist republics spanning from 1995 to 2017. Utilizing a panel cointegration test, we unveil a profound and enduring relationship among these variables. Long-term elasticities are meticulously examined through Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) regressions, both of which consistently reveal a positive association between GDP per capita, FDI inflows, trade, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions per capita over the long term. Moreover, employing a panel causality test, our analysis identifies a robust unidirectional causality, specifically from CO2 emissions to energy consumption, signifying a pivotal link in the chain of influence (p<0.01). These findings shed light on the nuanced dynamics of CO2 emissions and their intricate connections with economic growth, foreign investments, trade, and energy usage in the post-communist context.